C-USA 2026-27 Preview | Shooty Hoops

The opening tip

A Hilltopper, a Flame and an Owl Walk Into Huntsville

CUSA remains a league of downhill guards, switchable forwards and contested possessions. This title race turns on which advantage survives the scouting cycle: WKU's continuity, Kennesaw's size or Liberty's system.

Kennesaw State turned last March into a warning label for the whole league. The Owls arrived in Huntsville as the No. 6 seed, beat the Nos. 3, 2 and 4 seeds, then made No. 3 seed Gonzaga work before falling 73–64. Western Kentucky saw that champion three times and lost all three. That is where this race begins. WKU has the cleanest roster for the regular-season grind; Kennesaw owns fresh proof that it can win the three days that matter most. Almost every familiar source of power disappeared after that run. Liberty went 17–3 and claimed a second straight outright regular-season title, then lost every starter, including CUSA Player of the Year Zach Cleveland. Kennesaw lost tournament MVP RJ Johnson, All-Defensive forward Braedan Lue and leading rebounder Frankquon Sherman. Louisiana Tech, the tournament runner-up, moved to the Sun Belt. Teagan Moore is the only member of last season's All-CUSA first team returning to the same school. Retention is suddenly the league's rarest advantage. WKU has more of it than anyone near the top. Moore averaged 18.7 points on 52.9 percent shooting and made 42.9 percent of his threes. The Hilltoppers return five backcourt players who supplied 52.3 percent of their points, including Armelo Boone's 10.9 points and team-best 6.1 rebounds. Akron transfer Sharron Young adds a point guard with two NCAA tournament trips and a knack for pressuring the ball. Young can bend the first line, Boone can attack the rotation and Moore can choose his matchup. The problem is the glass. WKU lost most of its frontcourt production, and Kennesaw won the paint 46–26 in their CUSA quarterfinal. Emondrek Erkins-Ford and the rebuilt interior rotation have to finish defensive possessions before all that guard skill can take over. Kennesaw's reply is bigger and meaner. Trey Simpson, Amir Taylor and Kaden Rickard remain from the title team. Simpson scored 26 in the tournament win over WKU, blocked 1.3 shots per game and can stretch a defense. Pettway also recruited the league against itself, adding Jacoby Hill from Jacksonville State, CJ Beaumont from Sam Houston and Avery Thomas II from Louisiana Tech. Hill scored 10.0 points on 51.4 percent shooting; Thomas averaged 9.1 points and 7.2 rebounds. The Owls should still overwhelm teams with length, second chances and waves of forwards. Replacing Johnson's late-clock creation will decide whether that style holds up over five months. Then there is Liberty, where the continuity belongs to Ritchie McKay's playbook. Last season's Flames led the nation in effective field-goal percentage and finished among the top three in field-goal percentage, three-point percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio. Brothers Cooper and Cobi Campbell arrive from a Troy program that won consecutive Sun Belt titles. Cooper averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from three; Cobi made 70 threes at 40 percent. Sean Register Jr. scored 24.8 per game on 66.3 percent shooting in junior college, and Dillon Claussen averaged 15.6 on 62.5 percent shooting for a 31-win Division II team. McKay has passers, cutters and finishers. Now he needs a replacement for Cleveland's frontcourt playmaking and a new group that can learn Liberty's reads quickly. The gap behind those three is hardly safe. Middle Tennessee added nine players around five returners and can build long, interchangeable lineups with Jahvin Carter, Ofri Naveh and Kevin de Kovachich. FIU hired former Panther Joey Cantens after his Daytona State teams ranked in the national top 15 in scoring four straight years, then gave him Tijan Saine, a 17.5-point scorer who also averaged 4.3 assists, and top-100 freshman Trey Beamer. New Mexico State paired All-CUSA guard DJ Dudley with KK Robinson and recently added Stephon Payne, Seton Hall's leading rebounder. MTSU can win with size, FIU with speed and NMSU with a veteran backcourt plus real muscle on the glass. WKU owns the best star and the strongest head start. Kennesaw carries championship muscle memory that a projection cannot measure. Liberty still has the league's most reliable method. Three contenders, three very different answers, and Huntsville gets the final word.

The defining storyline
Can WKU's returning offense finally solve the Kennesaw team that swept it three times, or will the defending champion Owls or a rebuilt Liberty steal the last word?

Official projection + model comparison

The big board

See how every team stacks up through projected records, finish ranges, and the model’s view of the race.

Ranking machine · comparison at a glance

Editorial board vs. model

1Western Ky.WKU pairs CUSA’s most accomplished returning scorer with a backcourt that already knows its roles, then adds enough size and athleticism to raise the defensive ceiling.
Conf / overall14-4 / 22-9TierFavoriteCeiling / floor1–3
Boards agree · #1
1Official rankWestern Ky.WKU pairs CUSA’s most accomplished returning scorer with a backcourt that already knows its roles, then adds enough size and athleticism to raise the defensive ceiling.Boards agree · #1Conf / overall14-4 / 22-9TierFavoriteRange1–3
2LibertyRitchie McKay has rebuilt a two-time regular-season champion around Cooper Campbell’s control and a deep crop of productive forwards, making system continuity the stabilizer.
Conf / overall13-5 / 21-10TierContenderCeiling / floor1–5
Boards agree · #2
2Official rankLibertyRitchie McKay has rebuilt a two-time regular-season champion around Cooper Campbell’s control and a deep crop of productive forwards, making system continuity the stabilizer.Boards agree · #2Conf / overall13-5 / 21-10TierContenderRange1–5
3Kennesaw St.The defending tournament champions return three rotation pieces and reload with CUSA-tested size, keeping the Owls dangerous while a new lead guard learns the controls.
Conf / overall12-6 / 20-11TierContenderCeiling / floor1–6
Boards agree · #3
3Official rankKennesaw St.The defending tournament champions return three rotation pieces and reload with CUSA-tested size, keeping the Owls dangerous while a new lead guard learns the controls.Boards agree · #3Conf / overall12-6 / 20-11TierContenderRange1–6
4Middle Tenn.Jahvin Carter steadies a nine-man reload packed with shooting and size; fourth balances real title upside against the loss of MTSU’s two leading scorers and interior anchors.
Conf / overall11-7 / 19-12TierDangerous MiddleCeiling / floor2–7
1 spot higher than published model · #5
4Official rankMiddle Tenn.Jahvin Carter steadies a nine-man reload packed with shooting and size; fourth balances real title upside against the loss of MTSU’s two leading scorers and interior anchors.1 spot higher than published model · #5Conf / overall11-7 / 19-12TierDangerous MiddleRange2–7
5FIUJoey Cantens paired his Daytona State pipeline with Tijan Saine and Corey Caulker, giving FIU a race-the-floor offense whose top-three ceiling depends on instant chemistry.
Conf / overall10-8 / 18-13TierDangerous MiddleCeiling / floor2–8
2 spots higher than published model · #7
5Official rankFIUJoey Cantens paired his Daytona State pipeline with Tijan Saine and Corey Caulker, giving FIU a race-the-floor offense whose top-three ceiling depends on instant chemistry.2 spots higher than published model · #7Conf / overall10-8 / 18-13TierDangerous MiddleRange2–8
6NMSUDJ Dudley and late addition Stephon Payne make NMSU older, deeper and nastier on the glass, though Jemel Jones’s missing late-clock creation keeps the Aggies sixth.
Conf / overall9-9 / 17-14TierDangerous MiddleCeiling / floor2–9
2 spots lower than published model · #4
6Official rankNMSUDJ Dudley and late addition Stephon Payne make NMSU older, deeper and nastier on the glass, though Jemel Jones’s missing late-clock creation keeps the Aggies sixth.2 spots lower than published model · #4Conf / overall9-9 / 17-14TierDangerous MiddleRange2–9
7Sam HoustonJustin Begg gives Chris Mudge a proven organizer, but replacing the All-CUSA spine of a 22-win NIT team makes seventh the safer call.
Conf / overall8-10 / 16-15TierDangerous MiddleCeiling / floor3–10
1 spot lower than published model · #6
7Official rankSam HoustonJustin Begg gives Chris Mudge a proven organizer, but replacing the All-CUSA spine of a 22-win NIT team makes seventh the safer call.1 spot lower than published model · #6Conf / overall8-10 / 16-15TierDangerous MiddleRange3–10
8Jax St.Jax State’s shooting and positional size fit Ray Harper’s plan, but a nearly new rotation must build creation and chemistry from scratch.
Conf / overall7-11 / 14-17TierLong ShotCeiling / floor5–10
1 spot higher than published model · #9
8Official rankJax St.Jax State’s shooting and positional size fit Ray Harper’s plan, but a nearly new rotation must build creation and chemistry from scratch.1 spot higher than published model · #9Conf / overall7-11 / 14-17TierLong ShotRange5–10
9DelawareDevin Dinkins, Kachi Nzeh and DeShawn Harris-Smith give Delaware more balance, though replacing Christian Bliss’s creation keeps the Hens ninth.
Conf / overall6-12 / 13-18TierLong ShotCeiling / floor6–10
1 spot lower than published model · #8
9Official rankDelawareDevin Dinkins, Kachi Nzeh and DeShawn Harris-Smith give Delaware more balance, though replacing Christian Bliss’s creation keeps the Hens ninth.1 spot lower than published model · #8Conf / overall6-12 / 13-18TierLong ShotRange6–10
10Missouri St.Cuonzo Martin rebuilt around size and accomplished lower-level scorers, giving the tenth-place pick enough muscle to become another March spoiler.
Conf / overall4-14 / 10-21TierLong ShotCeiling / floor7–10
Boards agree · #10
10Official rankMissouri St.Cuonzo Martin rebuilt around size and accomplished lower-level scorers, giving the tenth-place pick enough muscle to become another March spoiler.Boards agree · #10Conf / overall4-14 / 10-21TierLong ShotRange7–10

The interactive scouting room

Team-by-team preview

Move across the conference one program at a time. Open projected rotations, meet the players, and inspect the identity and postseason case behind every ranking.

2026-27 team preview · official rank 1

Western Ky.

VeteranGuard-heavyFastTransfer-driven

1/10

Conference

14-4

Overall

22-9

Finish window

1–3

Confidence

82%

Official order · choose a team file

Projected rotation · Published roster depth chart

10 of 10 primary spots filled

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Starting five

Second unit

Five on the floor

The All-Conference court

Explore all three projected teams. Select a player for the spotlight, then choose Open Player Card for their full profile.

🥇 First Team

The hardware

The awards race

Browse every projected award race. See the current favorite, the strongest challengers, and the case for each pick.

1 / 7

The projected podium

Player of the Year

Why this pick leads

Teagan Moore owns the best combination of returning CUSA production, efficiency and a first-place team context; Cooper Campbell's all-around creation and Tijan Saine's scoring keep the race competitive.

Projection confidence76%

How strongly the current projection favors this pick. These are not betting odds.

Beyond the main ballot

The extra pages

Meet the players outside our All-Conference and award picks who could still shape the race, then explore breakout candidates and bold predictions.

The preview desk supplement3 features

Five players who can bend the standings

Race Shapers

The Possessions That Move the Race

These players sit outside the honor ballots, but each controls a roster question with conference-wide consequences.

Sharron Young
Western Ky.G · Jr
WKU's new organizer
Sharron Young Sets the Table
Young's downhill passing can reduce Moore's creation burden and turn Boone into a cutter, giving WKU a cleaner answer against pressure.
72% confident
KK Robinson
NMSUG · Gr
The injury variable
KK Robinson Changes the Ceiling
If Robinson returns at full speed, his proven scoring and playmaking let New Mexico State use Dudley off the ball and attack with two creators.
67% confident
Andreas Holst
FIUF · R-Fr
FIU's interior test
Holst Holds the Middle
FIU has ample perimeter creation, but Holst must rebound and defend without help for the Panthers' small lineups to survive.
65% confident
Devin Dinkins
DelawareG · R-Sr
Delaware's pace setter
Dinkins Pushes the Rebuild
Dinkins can replace part of Delaware's lost creation by turning early offense into clean threes before opponents load up on Nzeh.
64% confident
Naas Cunningham
Jax St.F · R-So
Jax State's upside bet
Cunningham Finds His Range
A reliable jumper from Cunningham would give Jacksonville State a playable stretch forward and preserve driving lanes for Lockett.
61% confident

Five growth bets

Breakout Team

The Breakout Team

Each selection owns a credible baseline and a specific route to a larger role.

Jacobe Coleman
Sam HoustonG · So
Bigger role, same efficiency
Jacobe Coleman, Sam Houston
Coleman made 37.8 percent of his threes in limited starts; a full-time role can turn that shooting into primary scoring.
74% confident
Armelo Boone
Western Ky.G · So
More creation on tap
Armelo Boone, Western Kentucky
Boone already rebounded and defended at a high level, and improved shooting decisions can make him WKU's second star.
71% confident
Zander Carter
LibertyG · So
From reserve to stopper
Zander Carter, Liberty
Carter's modest freshman usage should rise sharply as Liberty asks him to defend wings and punish tilted defenses.
68% confident
Matt Dann
Sam HoustonC · So
The next frontcourt anchor
Matt Dann, Sam Houston
Dann blocked 0.8 shots in fewer than ten minutes per game, a rate that supports a meaningful defensive jump with added court time.
66% confident
Trey Williams
Missouri St.G · So
Sophomore control
Trey Williams, Missouri State
Williams started 34 games and made 63 threes as a freshman; improved finishing can convert that experience into lead-guard production.
63% confident

Three calls with receipts

Bold Predictions

Specific outcomes that will look obvious or reckless by March.

A national arrival
WKU Cracks the AP Top 25
Teagan Moore gives the Hilltoppers a nationally recognizable scorer. Sharron Young’s downhill passing and Armelo Boone’s versatility give WKU enough ways to win for an early run into the poll.
Confidence · 52%
The Miami surge
FIU Reaches the CUSA Final
Tijan Saine powers a guard-heavy attack that can win three different ways, while Ramone Seals supplies the switchable forward FIU lacked after its frontcourt turnover.
Confidence · 58%
The repeat bid
Kennesaw State Goes Back-to-Back
Kennesaw State can throw Trey Simpson, Avery Thomas II and Amir Taylor at the frontcourt battle, then turn to Jacoby Hill for another downhill creator. Antoine Pettway’s depth carries the Owls past FIU in the CUSA championship game.
Confidence · 48%

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The Champ Has Moore Company

Conference superlatives