2026–27 Conference USA Top 10 Players
2026-10-08
MMH Top 10 Players
These are the ten best candidates irrespective of position or school; no team is entitled to a place.
1. Teagan Moore — Western Kentucky
All-CUSA first team in 2025–26 and on WKU's current roster. Blue Ribbon named him 2026–27 CUSA Preseason Player of the Year, as WKU confirmed on September 18. Previously audited: 18.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 52.9% FG, 42.9% 3PT (27 games). Strong combination of demonstrated scoring and efficiency.
2. Cooper Campbell — Liberty
Arrived from Troy after averaging 12.5 PPG, 4.2 APG and 3.5 RPG in 2025–26, starting 33 of 34 games. Liberty confirms him on its 2026–27 roster. A lead-creator candidate who belonged on the initial top 10, not merely outside it.
3. Devin Dinkins — Delaware
Manhattan transfer confirmed on Delaware's 2026–27 roster; previously audited 12.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 1.6 RPG and 32.9% 3PT in 2025–26. Creation upside offsets efficiency concerns.
4. Gabe Warren — New Mexico State
Holy Cross transfer. NM State reports 12.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 47% FG and 34% 3PT across 33 starts in 2025–26. A credible two-way wing candidate.
5. Cobi Campbell — Liberty
Troy transfer; Liberty confirms 9.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG and 1.5 APG in 33 games (31 starts) in 2025–26. Backcourt experience and established roles, but should rank behind Cooper on the presently audited production.
6. Jahvin Carter — Middle Tennessee
MTSU and the official CUSA stats confirm 10.8 PPG and 3.6 APG in 2025–26, 114 total assists in 32 appearances, 19 starts and 33.6% 3PT. Returning playmaking profile deserves more weight than some loosely supported names on the old watchlist.
7. Trey Simpson — Kennesaw State
The returning Owls forward earned CUSA All-Freshman recognition. His official 2025–26 league totals of 315 points, 173 rebounds and 44 blocks in 35 games translate to 9.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG and 1.3 BPG. Rim protection raises his value beyond raw scoring.
8. Chris Lockett Jr. — Jacksonville State
Arrives after playing for Jacksonville University in the ASUN in 2025–26. His 32-game line: 9.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, with 38.7% FG, 30.6% 3PT and 84.6% FT. Better-supported than an unquantified high-upside candidate, but shot efficiency must improve. Do not confuse Jacksonville University with Jacksonville State, his 2026–27 destination.
9. Chuck Bailey III — Delaware
Nevada transfer listed by Delaware for 2026–27. He averaged 6.3 PPG and 2.4 RPG and shot 39.4% from three in 2025–26. His shooting carries a clear role, but this is a bigger projection than the higher-volume scorers above.
10. KK Robinson — New Mexico State
NM State reports 15.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 4.2 APG at Little Rock in 2023–24. He then missed both 2024–25 and 2025–26 because of injury. On demonstrated peak ability, his ceiling belongs in the conversation; on current availability it is the least secure inclusion. Availability caveat: This selection is conditional on a healthy return.
Methodology and uncertainty
These are MMH editorial preseason player rankings, not Model V1 calculations, official CUSA honors or guarantees of playing time. We consider previous-season production and efficiency, level of competition, experience, defensive contributions and likely 2026–27 role. A player's ranking may change with injury, eligibility or roster developments.
In particular, KK Robinson's No. 10 selection assumes he returns to play after missing two seasons; it should not be interpreted as confirmation that he is cleared. Other candidates—including Justin Begg and Trevion LaBeaux—remain under consideration. LaBeaux did not play in 2025–26 and is assessed on older production and projected health.
Selected sources: WKU on Moore and Blue Ribbon; Liberty on Cooper Campbell; Liberty on Cobi Campbell; CUSA media day representatives.
Editorial cutoff: October 8, 2026.