Articles

Three Mid-Major Matchups You Should Be Watching Saturday

VCU visits Memphis, High Point gets a home stage against Washington State, and UNCW renews its rivalry with East Carolina.

Saint Louis Has the Stage—and a Real Chance Against Missouri

With Robbie Avila available, Saint Louis has a chance to make an early statement for mid-major basketball against Missouri. Here is how the Billikens can pull off the upset.

2026–27 Big 12 Preview: Arizona Leads, West Virginia Is the Sleeper

All 16 teams, independent projected standings, Blue Ribbon and poll comparisons, and team outlooks.

2026–27 Big 12 Sleeper: West Virginia

Why West Virginia can outperform its external forecasts, and what must improve for that ceiling to become realistic.

2026–27 Big 12: MMH Top 10 Players

Independent preseason player rankings led by Robert Wright III, with roles and availability considered.

2026–27 Big Ten Preview: Michigan State Leads, Indiana Is the Sleeper

All 18 teams, independent projected standings, Blue Ribbon and poll comparisons, and team outlooks.

2026–27 Big Ten Sleeper: Indiana

Why Indiana can outperform its external forecasts, and what must improve for that ceiling to become realistic.

2026–27 Big Ten: MMH Top 10 Players

Independent preseason player rankings led by Jeremy Fears Jr., with roles and availability considered.

2026–27 Pac-12 Preview: Gonzaga Leads, Oregon State Is the Sleeper

All 9 teams, independent projected standings, Blue Ribbon and poll comparisons, and team outlooks.

2026–27 Pac-12 Sleeper: Oregon State

Why Oregon State can outperform its external forecasts, and what must improve for that ceiling to become realistic.

2026–27 Pac-12: MMH Top 10 Players

Independent preseason player rankings led by Braden Huff, with roles and availability considered.

2026–27 SEC Preview: Florida Leads, Missouri Is the Sleeper

All 16 teams, independent projected standings, Blue Ribbon and poll comparisons, and team outlooks.

2026–27 SEC Sleeper: Missouri

Why Missouri can outperform its external forecasts, and what must improve for that ceiling to become realistic.

2026–27 SEC: MMH Top 10 Players

Independent preseason player rankings led by Tyler Tanner, with roles and availability considered.

What We Learned from Day 1: Memphis Makes a Statement, McNeese Sets the Tone

Opening-night surprises, encouraging starts and early warning signs across mid-major basketball.

MAC vs. Sun Belt: Two NCAA Bids, a Head-to-Head Rebuttal and an Opening Night That Matters

An in-depth look at the MAC–Sun Belt Challenge: conference expectations, all 12 opening-night matchups, the contenders under pressure and what would count as a successful November 2.

Notre Dame vs. Villanova: New Rosters, New Questions and a Season Opener Worth Watching

Notre Dame vs. Villanova preview: new players, X's and O's, key matchups and MMH's score prediction for the Eternal City Tip-Off.

2026–27 ACC Preview: Duke Leads, Notre Dame Is the Sleeper

All 18 ACC teams, independent standings projections, source comparisons, and 180 researched rotation players.

2026–27 ACC Top 10 Players | Mid-Major Hoops

MMH independently ranks the ACC’s ten best players entering 2026–27, weighing production, role, defense, and fit.

From Midnight to After Dark: Ranking Every Game in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon

Why Notre Dame Could Outperform Its Low ACC Expectations in 2026–27

Braeden Smith, Logan Duncomb, and returning shooting give the Irish a concrete path beyond their lowest preseason forecasts.

Why Loyola Marymount Is MMH’s 2026-27 WCC Sleeper

The roster case for Loyola Marymount to outperform its lower preseason forecasts.

Why Oral Roberts Is MMH’s 2026-27 Summit League Sleeper

The roster case for Oral Roberts to rise from seventh in the official poll to third in MMH’s forecast.

2026-27 Summit League Preview: St. Thomas Leads, Oral Roberts Is the Sleeper

A complete eight-team Summit League forecast, preseason comparisons and 80-player projected rotations.

2026-27 Summit League Top 10 Players: Joe Sayler Leads the List

The ten Summit players MMH projects to make the greatest impact in 2026-27.

Why Tarleton State Is MMH’s 2026-27 UAC Sleeper

The roster case for Tarleton State to outperform its lower preseason forecasts.

2026-27 UAC Preview: Central Arkansas Leads, Tarleton State Is the Sleeper

MMH standings, official-poll status, Torvik and Blue Ribbon comparisons, and 90 individually researched rotation players.

2026-27 UAC Top 10 Players: Rashaud Marshall Leads the List

MMH ranks the ten players projected to have the greatest impact in the UAC.

2026-27 WCC Preview: Santa Clara Sets the Pace, LMU Is the Sleeper

MMH standings, official-poll status, Torvik and Blue Ribbon comparisons, and 100 individually researched rotation players.

2026-27 WCC Top 10 Players: Joshua Dent Leads the List

MMH ranks the ten players projected to have the greatest impact in the WCC.

2026–27 Southland Sleeper: Northwestern State Has a Path Up the Standings

An established returning guard and newcomers with complementary skills make Northwestern State MMH's Southland sleeper.

2026–27 SWAC Preview: Bethune-Cookman Leads, but Jackson State Has a Case

MMH projects all 12 SWAC teams, compares the official poll and Blue Ribbon, and examines a league reshaped by returning stars and transfers.

2026–27 SWAC Sleeper: Jackson State Has More Than a Sixth-Place Ceiling

Daeshun Ruffin's confirmed return and Dorian McMillian's scoring make Jackson State MMH's SWAC sleeper recommendation.

2026–27 SWAC Top 10 Players: Daeshun Ruffin Sets the Standard

MMH ranks the SWAC's projected impact players, led by returning star Daeshun Ruffin and Alabama State transfer Mike James.

2026–27 Southland Men's Basketball Preview: McNeese Sets the Standard, but the Chase Has Depth

McNeese leads MMH's Southland projection, Corpus Christi and SFA head the pursuit, and Northwestern State offers a path beyond the preseason consensus.

2026–27 Southland Top 10 Players: Larry Johnson Leads MMH's Preseason List

MMH ranks the Southland's most influential projected players, balancing proven Division I production, likely roles and the uncertainty attached to newcomers.

2026-27 Southern Conference Preview: Furman Sets the Pace, Western Carolina Is the Sleeper

MMH projected standings, supplied Torvik comparisons and researched ten-player rotations for all eleven teams.

2026-27 Southern Conference Top 10 Players: MMH's Preseason Picks

MMH's preserved preseason player order with verified 2025-26 production and availability context.

Western Carolina Is MMH's 2026-27 Southern Conference Sleeper

A rebuilt perimeter, Samuel Dada's rebounding and a wide preseason ranking gap make Western Carolina worth watching.

2026-27 Patriot League Preview: American, Lehigh and Colgate Set the Pace

A detailed 2026-27 Patriot League outlook, MMH projected order, preseason comparisons, team-by-team analysis and roster questions.

2026-27 Patriot League Sleeper: Can Bucknell Beat the Preseason Math?

Why Bucknell's rebuilt roster creates an upside case despite a low statistical preseason projection.

2026-27 Patriot League Top 10 Players: Alvey, Alekseyenko and the Race for No. 1

MMH's 2026-27 Patriot League player watch list with verified production, roster context and independent evaluations.

2026–27 OVC Sleeper: Lindenwood's Roster Gamble Might Pay Off

Why MMH puts sixth-place coaches' pick Lindenwood fourth in the Ohio Valley, and the risks behind a nearly total rebuild.

2026–27 NEC Top 10 Players: Lemelman, Allette and the New Transfer Class

MMH's independent top ten players entering NEC play, led by Mercyhurst's Jake Lemelman and LIU's star-studded backcourt.

2026–27 NEC Sleeper: Why MMH Is Higher on New Haven Than the Coaches

A ninth-place coaches' pick that finished fifth last season? New Haven's returning roster and defense give the Chargers a path to the NEC's upper half.

2026–27 Northeast Conference Preview: LIU's Talent, Mercyhurst's Continuity and a New Haven Sleeper

MMH projects the nine-team NEC, compares the coaches, Blue Ribbon and Bart Torvik, and breaks down every roster—with New Haven our sleeper.

2026–27 Ohio Valley Conference Preview: Tennessee State Sets the Pace, but the Chase Is Real

MMH's complete nine-team OVC forecast, historical standings, coaches' poll and Torvik comparisons, player storylines, and detailed team-by-team outlooks.

2026–27 OVC Top 10 Players: Bradshaw, Morris and the Race for the League's Best

Our preseason ranking of the ten most important OVC men's basketball players entering 2026–27.

2026-27 Mountain West Preview: New Mexico Leads a Rebuilt League

New Mexico narrowly leads Nevada and Grand Canyon, with current-roster outlooks, projected lineups and Mountain West media poll, Torvik and Blue Ribbon comparisons.

2026-27 Mountain West Top 10 Players: Hall Leads the List

MMH ranks ten Mountain West players using current rosters, prior production and projected roles, with Jake Hall first and Elijah Price second.

2026-27 Mountain West Sleeper: Wyoming Has a Core Worth Trusting

Meyer, Bennett and Gores give Wyoming a credible path above fifth-place expectations in the rebuilt Mountain West.

2026-27 MEAC Sleeper: Coppin State Has More Ways to Improve

Returning wings and a flexible frontcourt give Coppin State a route above its preseason starting point.

2026-27 MEAC Preview: Howard Sets the Standard, the Challengers Rebuild

Howard leads MMH's MEAC forecast, with current-roster outlooks, projected starting groups and Torvik and Blue Ribbon comparisons.

2026-27 MEAC Top 10 Players: Taylor and Gillus Lead the List

MMH ranks the MEAC's leading players, using current roster reports, expected roles and context for transfers and freshmen.

2026-27 Missouri Valley Preview: Three Favorites, Several Ways to Challenge

Illinois State narrowly leads MMH’s MVC forecast, with current-roster outlooks, projected lineups and MVC poll, Torvik and Blue Ribbon comparisons.

2026-27 MVC Top 10 Players: Walker, Domon and Pettigrew Lead the List

MMH ranks the Missouri Valley’s leading players by expected impact, with prior-season statistics and current roster context.

2026-27 MVC Sleeper: Northern Iowa Has a Route Back to the Upper Half

Uelmen and a complementary transfer group give Kyle Green’s Panthers a plausible path above a low preseason baseline.

2026-27 MAC Sleeper: Buffalo Has More Than a Starling Story

Buffalo rises in MMH's forecast after J.J. Starling joins an experienced backcourt and a rebuilt frontcourt.

2026-27 Mid-American Preview: Miami Leads a Deeper MAC, Buffalo Is the Sleeper

A 12-team MAC outlook with projected records, Torvik and Blue Ribbon comparisons, all-team starting groups and the case for Buffalo.

2026-27 MAC Top 10 Players: Skaljac Leads a Deep Race

MMH ranks the MAC players to watch, including current-roster additions and the reasons each can shape the title race.

2026-27 Metro Preview: Merrimack Leads, Saint Peter's Is MMH's Sleeper

A 13-team Metro outlook, projected records, coaches, Torvik and Blue Ribbon comparisons, and a sleeper case for Saint Peter's.

2026-27 Metro Top 10 Players: McKnight, Wucherpfennig and a Wave of Newcomers

MMH ranks the players most likely to shape the Metro race, including Saint Peter's lead guard Bryce Eaton.

2026-27 Metro Sleeper: Why Saint Peter's Can Beat Seventh

Bryce Eaton, Ken Walker and a flexible perimeter give Saint Peter's a route above its preseason seventh-place pick.

2026-27 Ivy League Sleeper: Why Columbia Can Reach Ivy Madness

MMH likes Columbia's returning core to challenge Yale and Cornell for a top-four Ivy League finish.

2026-27 Ivy League Preview: Penn and Harvard Lead, Columbia Has Sleeper Potential

Penn and Harvard headline a tight Ivy League race; Princeton's returning offense, Yale's transition and Columbia's young core make the Ivy Madness chase compelling.

2026-27 Ivy League Top 10 Players: Power and Hinton Set the Standard

MMH ranks the Ivy League's leading returning players ahead of 2026-27, with Penn's TJ Power at No. 1 and Harvard's Robert Hinton close behind.

2026-27 Horizon League Preview: Wright State Leads, Northern Illinois Is MMH’s Sleeper

The Horizon favorite is clear, but a new Northern Illinois offense can disrupt a crowded middle tier.

2026-27 Horizon League: MMH Top 10 Players

Pickett leads an experienced group of Horizon League stars, newcomers and breakout candidates.

2026-27 Horizon League Sleeper: Why Northern Illinois Can Finish in the Top Six

Northern Illinois was picked tenth by league voters, but Matt Majkrzak’s retooled offense could make the Huskies a threat.

2026-27 Conference USA Preview

Liberty sets the standard; Delaware is MMH’s sleeper in a 10-team Conference USA.

2026–27 Conference USA Top 10 Players

MMH ranks its top 10 Conference USA players entering 2026–27, weighing performance, transfer context and projected roles.

Why Delaware Is MMH's Conference USA Sleeper for 2026-27

Bart Torvik and Blue Ribbon rank Delaware last in Conference USA. MMH sees a possible top-four ceiling behind Devin Dinkins, Chuck Bailey III and a rebuilt frontcourt.

2026-27 Big East Preview

UConn starts on top, St. John's is right behind, and Georgetown is MMH's sleeper in a deep Big East.

MMH Big East Top 10 Players for 2026-27

Mid-Major Hoops ranks the top 10 players entering the 2026-27 Big East season.

Big South's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026-27

Cam'Ron Fletcher leads MMH's Big South player ranking, with Presbyterian's veteran core and several impact transfers close behind.

2026-27 Big West Preview

UC Santa Barbara gets the MMH nod in a deep Big West race, Sacramento State is the sleeper, and Utah Valley arrives as a dangerous newcomer.

Big West's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026-27

Hamad Mousa leads MMH's Big West player ranking, with Josiah Davis, Larry Hughes II and a deep group of veteran guards close behind.

2026-27 CAA Men's Basketball Preview: UNCW Leads, Hampton Is MMH's Sleeper

UNC Wilmington is the clear preseason favorite, Hofstra and Charleston remain dangerous, and Hampton is MMH's sleeper in a CAA race with one of the biggest projection disagreements in the country.

2026-27 CAA Top 10 Players

MMH's preseason ranking of the top 10 players in the CAA, led by UNC Wilmington center Patrick Wessler.

Why Georgetown Is MMH's 2026-27 Big East Sleeper

Georgetown is picked near the bottom of the Big East, but the roster talent gives the Hoyas a much higher ceiling.

2026-27 CAA Sleeper Preview: Why MMH Is Buying Hampton

Blue Ribbon has Hampton 13th. Bart Torvik has the Pirates fourth. MMH sees enough scoring and frontcourt production to make Hampton the CAA sleeper.

Big South Sleeper: Radford Has More Upside Than Its Continuity Suggests

Ja'Corey Robinson, Tristan Gross and a rebuilt frontcourt give Radford a path to outperform its middle-of-the-pack projection.

Big West Sleeper: Sacramento State Has the Backcourt to Surprise

Mikey Williams, Larry Hughes II and Marcus Wilson give Sacramento State enough scoring and creation to outperform its recent history.

2026–27 ASUN Men's Basketball Preview: Queens Leads a New Eight-Team League

Queens and Lipscomb have the clearest title cases, Bellarmine has a path upward, and West Florida enters a reshaped ASUN.

ASUN's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27

Jordan Watford, Avantae Parker and Oregon transfer Takai Simpkins lead MMH's ASUN player forecast.

2026-27 Big Sky Preview

Eastern Washington gets a late boost, Montana State brings rare continuity, and defending tournament champion Idaho is MMH's sleeper.

2026-27 Big South Preview

High Point is the clear favorite, Presbyterian brings rare continuity, and Radford is MMH's sleeper in a Big South race with a wide gap at the top.

ASUN Sleeper: Stetson Has a Path Into the Top Four

Collin Kuhl, Finley Sheridan and a rebuilt backcourt give the Hatters a route past their sixth-place MMH projection.

2026–27 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Preview: VCU, Saint Louis and a Crowded Chase

MMH's editorial 1–14 Atlantic 10 forecast, roster questions, and the teams positioned to challenge VCU and Saint Louis.

Atlantic 10's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27

The returning stars and impact newcomers who shape MMH's Atlantic 10 player ranking.

Atlantic 10 Sleeper: Richmond Has a Route Into the Top Five

Amon Dörries, Derin Saran and Jamie Kaiser Jr. give Richmond more ways to score than its eighth-place projection suggests.

2026–27 American Conference Preview: Wichita State Sets the Pace

Wichita State's continuity, Memphis's transfers, UAB's ceiling and East Carolina's sleeper case shape the American race.

American Conference's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27

Will Berg, Je'Shawn Stevenson, Tylik Weeks and Justyn Fernandez lead MMH's preseason American player ranking.

East Carolina's 2026–27 Sleeper Case: Can the New Backcourt Lift the Pirates?

Cian Medley, Brycen Blaine, Kaden Cooper and Kaseem Watson give ECU a route out of the American's lower tier, with chemistry the obvious risk.

2026-27 America East Preview

Vermont sets the standard, Binghamton gets healthy, and Austin Green's return boosts UMass Lowell's outlook.

America East's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27

An updated America East player ranking, with returning UMass Lowell forward Austin Green added to the top five.

Binghamton's 2026–27 Sleeper Case: How Far Can a Healthy Core Go?

Jeremiah Quigley and Demetrius Lilley return to a Binghamton team whose 8–23 record hid an extraordinary injury toll. The path to an America East title is real, but conditional.

Old Dominion's 2026–27 Sleeper Case: Can a Rebuilt Backcourt Change the Sun Belt Race?

Adante' Holiman's prior Sun Belt scoring, Bubu Benjamin's size and a new frontcourt give Old Dominion a path beyond MMH's No. 11 projection. The fit is the test.

2026-27 Sun Belt Men's Basketball Preview: Arkansas State Leads a Wide-Open Race

Arkansas State gets the MMH nod, Southern Miss has the league's best returning star, Louisiana is the sleeper, and a deep middle makes the Sun Belt one of the hardest mid-major races to sort.

Sun Belt's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27

Isaac Taveras and Noah Otshudi lead an editorial Sun Belt top 10 that balances proven production with transfer upside and availability.

Why I Built Mid-Major Hoops

Why MMH exists, what the site is trying to become, and why the rest of college basketball deserves more attention.