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

2026-10-13

The Metro Conference enters 2026-27 with a new name and an unsettled championship race.

Merrimack won last season's regular-season title at 17-3. Siena won the tournament and took the league's NCAA bid. Fairfield brings back a young core that helped produce 22 wins, and Quinnipiac retained one of the league's most promising players in Keith McKnight.

The preseason disagreement is substantial. The coaches put Fairfield first and Quinnipiac sixth. Blue Ribbon puts Quinnipiac first and Fairfield third. Merrimack is second in both.

The Torvik snapshot adds a third perspective: Merrimack first, Marist second, Fairfield third and Quinnipiac fifth. Merrimack is the only team in the top two across all three outside views.

MMH picks Merrimack as the projected regular-season champion, followed by Quinnipiac and Fairfield. Blue Ribbon remains our primary preseason guide; Torvik provides an independent check on roster and defensive expectations.

Saint Peter's is MMH's sleeper. The Peacocks finished second last season, but the coaches now place them seventh. We put them fifth because Bryce Eaton supplies reliable playmaking, the perimeter has several defensive options, and Ken Walker adds a potential scoring answer.

The league has 13 members playing an unbalanced 20-game conference schedule. Only the top 10 qualify for the tournament, so there is a meaningful race for Atlantic City as well as a race for first place. The championship runs March 4-9, 2027, with the men's final on March 9.

MMH projected order and preseason comparisons

Projected records balance to 130 wins and 130 losses. These are MMH editorial forecasts, not the official poll or forecasts derived from last season's power ratings. Teams with the same projected record are ordered by our preseason assessment; that order is not a prediction of the eventual conference tiebreaker.

Quinnipiac is the largest disagreement near the top: first in Blue Ribbon, fifth in Torvik and sixth with the coaches. McKnight gives the Bobcats a convincing individual foundation, but the replacement guards must establish their roles after several major departures. MMH projects second, leaning toward Blue Ribbon's upside case while giving Merrimack the stronger overall foundation.

Marist is the other substantial disagreement. Torvik places the Red Foxes second, while Blue Ribbon and the coaches place them fifth. Its projected adjusted defensive efficiency of 104.0 is the best figure in the supplied Torvik table, narrowly ahead of Merrimack at 104.1. That supports giving John Dunne's defensive structure considerable weight. MMH moves Marist to sixth, with caution around the replacement scoring and youth.

Iona is fourth in Torvik and with the coaches, but seventh in Blue Ribbon. MMH also places the Gaels seventh, acknowledging their top-three upside while asking the new roster to demonstrate more consistent defense. These middle positions are close assessments.

The Torvik column is conference order derived from the national rankings in the supplied 2027 Metro screenshot. It is distinct from Torvik's projected conference win-loss records. Those rounded records sum to 131 wins and 129 losses in the screenshot; MMH's own projected records balance to 130-130.

Last season's standings

Source: official 2025-26 conference standings. Merrimack won the regular season; Siena won the tournament.

1. Merrimack

The defending regular-season champion rebuilds its offense

Joe Gallo has another roster assembled to fit a distinct defensive system. The challenge is replacing the shot creation of Kevair Kennedy and Ernest Shelton rather than simply finding players who can stand in the same positions.

Jeremiah Anderson averaged 20.6 points and 5.3 assists at Division II Felician. Denver Anglin brings Metro experience from Iona, and AJ Lesburt Jr. supplies veteran scoring after sitting out last season. Todd Brogna is a useful returning passer and spacer, while Elijah Wilborn offers an interior defensive option.

The new guards must make the offense work against Division I pressure. Merrimack has a sound coaching and defensive foundation, but another 17-3 run should not be assumed. Tye Dorset's knee injury, reported in Blue Ribbon, is a meaningful availability issue; the projection does not depend on his return.

Projected starting group: Jeremiah Anderson, Denver Anglin, AJ Lesburt Jr., Todd Brogna, Elijah Wilborn.

Why they can move higher: A coherent defensive identity and veteran players recruited for defined jobs.

Biggest question: How quickly the new creators replace last season's best offensive players.

2. Quinnipiac

Blue Ribbon's favorite has a clear star and a new guard hierarchy

Keith McKnight returns after averaging 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds, and his ability to attack the rim gives the Bobcats an offensive centerpiece. Improved perimeter shooting would make his matchup advantages harder to contain.

The surrounding team is different. Jaden Zimmerman, Grant Randall and Spence Wewe departed. Tayeshawn Cunningham-Pemberton and Lucas Sekasi arrive from Division II programs with useful experience, while Tai Turnage has an opportunity to take on more responsibility at point guard. Nas Hart adds activity and length inside.

Tom Pecora has a credible route to another strong conference finish, especially if the new perimeter group creates efficient transition chances. The gap between Blue Ribbon's first-place forecast and the coaches' sixth-place pick reflects uncertainty about those new roles. MMH projects second, between Blue Ribbon's first-place forecast and the lower Torvik/coaches positions.

Projected starting group: Tai Turnage, Tayeshawn Cunningham-Pemberton, Lucas Sekasi, Keith McKnight, Nas Hart.

Why they can move higher: McKnight's upside, larger perimeter players and a coach with an established offensive approach.

Biggest question: The rebuilt backcourt must supply reliable passing and shooting.

3. Fairfield

A young core with room to grow

Declan Wucherpfennig gives Fairfield a strong starting point after averaging 12.1 points and 8.5 rebounds as a freshman. Tony Williams and Halon Rawlins also return with a season of experience, while Eric Mejia supplies another familiar ballhandler.

The important loss is Brandon Benjamin. His departure means the Stags must replace substantial rebounding rather than assume that last year's interior strength automatically carries over. Qadir Martin arrives from Mercyhurst after averaging 11.6 points and 7.0 rebounds; Isaac Munkadi and Peyton Smith provide different frontcourt options.

Fairfield's title case depends on the returning sophomores expanding their offensive roles while the team improves defensively. It has a relatively understandable core in a league with many rebuilt rotations.

Projected starting group: Tony Williams, Eric Mejia, Halon Rawlins, Declan Wucherpfennig, Isaac Munkadi.

Why they can move higher: Returning development, positional size and multiple frontcourt choices.

Biggest question: Replacing Benjamin on the glass and making the defense dependable.

4. Siena

A championship program starts a new coaching cycle

Nevada Smith takes over after Siena's tournament championship and Gerry McNamara's departure. The Saints retain Brendan Coyle, but they are integrating a new staff, important transfers and a substantial freshman group.

Pace Prosser is the most intriguing addition. He averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists for Division II national champion Gannon. Tan Yildizoglu brings Division I playmaking from VMI. Together, they can give Smith two creators rather than requiring one guard to organize every possession.

The frontcourt has more development risk. Freshmen Parrish Edmond Jr., Andrés Amón and Tim Ibukunoluwa offer different physical tools, while Reid Ducharme's return adds a shooting option if he is healthy. Fourth is an endorsement of the guard talent with a reasonable allowance for transition.

Projected starting group: Pace Prosser, Tan Yildizoglu, Parrish Edmond Jr., Brendan Coyle, Andrés Amón.

Why they can move higher: Prosser and Yildizoglu can organize a varied offense around Coyle.

Biggest question: Freshman adjustment, interior rebounding and the speed of the system change.

5. Saint Peter's

MMH's sleeper: a seventh-place pick with a credible guard foundation

Bryce Eaton averaged 11.1 points and 4.0 assists last season and now leads a perimeter group with several useful combinations. Ken Walker scored 21.3 points per game at Division II Davenport; he is a possible answer to possessions that require someone to create a shot. Bryson Wilson brings Division I scoring and rebounding from Binghamton.

Elijah Perkins provides familiarity and defensive value. Akil Watson's return from an injury absence offers size, while Xavier Thomas supplies another skilled forward option. Those pieces give Bashir Mason flexibility to balance scoring against defensive assignments.

The frontcourt is the reason the sleeper case remains conditional. Jonathan Noudjihidi, Trey Patterson and Bourgeois Tshilobo must establish reliable interior production. Zaakir Williamson is absent from the current published roster, so this projection does not assume that the waiver discussed in Blue Ribbon has produced a return.

MMH projects fifth at 12-8, with a path higher if the new scorers fit the defense.

Projected starting group: Bryce Eaton, Ken Walker, Bryson Wilson, Akil Watson, Jonathan Noudjihidi.

Why they can move higher: Eaton's playmaking, Walker's scoring upside and several perimeter defensive options.

Biggest question: Rebounding and dependable center play without assuming Williamson returns.

6. Marist

The defensive standard meets a younger supporting cast

Jadin Collins-Roberts gives John Dunne an experienced point guard who averaged 7.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. That is an important source of stability in a roster that must replace much of last season's production.

Jack Graham arrives from New Hampshire with a shooting role available. Edward Onyia adds physicality after playing at Division II Saint Anselm, and Myles Parker has room to expand his responsibilities. Several freshmen could be needed earlier than they would be on a veteran roster.

Marist's interior rotation also has an availability question around Tarik Watson, whose recovery was described in Blue Ribbon. Jordan Gabriel is a useful alternative. Dunne's defensive track record supports a competitive floor, and Torvik's second-place projection strengthens that argument. MMH moves Marist to sixth while retaining caution because the offense needs multiple newcomers to contribute.

Projected starting group: Jadin Collins-Roberts, Jack Graham, Edward Onyia, Myles Parker, Jordan Gabriel.

Why they can move higher: An experienced point guard and a clearly established defensive approach.

Biggest question: Replacing scoring and determining how much the younger players can carry.

7. Iona

There is enough size and skill to challenge the order

Dan Geriot returns Kosy Akametu, Luke Jungers and Alliou Fall while adding several transfers with recognizable Division I roles. Akametu averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. Jungers supplies spacing, and Fall can influence shots near the rim.

Kevon Vanderhorst brings lead-guard experience from Drexel. Keyshawn Mitchell adds an interior scoring option after stops at Bryant and VCU, while Martin Kheil gives the Gaels another perimeter shooter. Aiden Disu and Sadiku Ibine Ayo make the forward rotation deeper than a simple five-man lineup suggests.

Iona has a plausible top-three ceiling if Geriot turns that size into a connected defense and a more consistent transition game. MMH's seventh-place forecast reflects the number of new offensive relationships and the narrow competition above it, not a lack of talent.

Projected starting group: Kevon Vanderhorst, Martin Kheil, Kosy Akametu, Luke Jungers, Keyshawn Mitchell.

Why they can move higher: Akametu's creation, substantial frontcourt depth and a veteran incoming point guard.

Biggest question: Turning athletic tools into sustained defensive efficiency.

8. Mount St. Mary's

A more perimeter-oriented team can outperform eighth

Abdou Khadre Kébé returns as a preseason first-team selection after averaging 7.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in an injury-shortened season. His length and defensive versatility are important assets, and a more reliable outside shot would widen his offensive role.

Redd Thompson Jr. arrives from Longwood after averaging 10.3 points. Wilguens Junior Exacte brings physicality from Drake, and Miquel Llompart adds a Division II shooting profile. Anthony Arrington Jr. is another offensive option if healthy.

Donny Lind's task is to convert those perimeter choices into better ball security. The interior is less established: Yakhya Diop and Noah Limol must provide rebounding and rim protection. Eighth leaves room for a higher finish if the guards cut down wasted possessions.

Projected starting group: Redd Thompson Jr., Anthony Arrington Jr., Abdou Khadre Kébé, Wilguens Junior Exacte, Yakhya Diop.

Why they can move higher: Kébé's two-way upside and more ways to create offense on the perimeter.

Biggest question: Ball security and a dependable interior rotation.

9. Sacred Heart

Offensive upside is easier to see than the defensive floor

Jojo Wallace returns to Division I after averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists at Southern New Hampshire. That makes him one of the league's most interesting scoring transfers, although those numbers should not be treated as a Division I forecast.

Jo Van Buggenhout adds passing from Indiana State. Kedrick Curtis brings a broad statistical profile from Division II Seton Hill, and Griffin Barrouk returns after missing last season. Jaden Slaughter, Abdou Yadd and Jaylen Robinson provide several ways to adjust the lineup.

Anthony Latina has enough offensive options to beat ninth. The question is whether the Pioneers become more physical and defend consistently. Until that happens, an attractive scoring collection can still lose close conference games.

Projected starting group: Jo Van Buggenhout, Jojo Wallace, Jaden Slaughter, Kedrick Curtis, Abdou Yadd.

Why they can move higher: A potential lead scorer, additional passing and a returning shooter.

Biggest question: Defensive communication, physicality and translating the DII additions.

10. Manhattan

The reset is designed to improve defense and rebounding

Ben Tweedy gives John Gallagher an experienced guard after averaging 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists at Colgate. Josiah Sabino knows the conference from Niagara, while Anthony Pacciarelli brings a substantial junior-college scoring record.

Isaac Johnson adds finishing and rebounding from Pima Community College. Liam McChesney is a high-variance frontcourt option after a lengthy injury absence and limited game action at Creighton. Dasean Lewis and Ognjen Stankovic supply additional choices around the core.

The Jaspers have a route into the middle of the league if the new size helps them finish possessions defensively. Their challenge is turning a rebuilt roster into a more consistent defense without losing the movement and attacking opportunities Gallagher values.

Projected starting group: Ben Tweedy, Anthony Pacciarelli, Josiah Sabino, Isaac Johnson, Liam McChesney.

Why they can move higher: Veteran guards, more positional size and several scoring candidates.

Biggest question: Defensive rebounding and McChesney's availability.

11. Niagara

Experienced guards must support a developing frontcourt

Logan Woods, Cole Farrell and Tae Blackshear give Greg Paulus experienced perimeter options from other Division I programs. Bastien Rieber brings passing from Fresno State, and returning guard Trenton Walters provides another ballhandler.

The interior is a different proposition. Vukasin Todorovic has limited Division I experience, while Daniel Emokhare, Fidel Rotta and Brian Angeletti are adjusting to college basketball in the United States. Their progress will affect both rebounding and the defensive floor.

Niagara has enough guard experience to be competitive in stretches, but the frontcourt has to become dependable before a higher preseason placement is justified. Eleventh places the Purple Eagles just outside the tournament field, with a realistic opportunity to contest tenth.

Projected starting group: Bastien Rieber, Logan Woods, Cole Farrell, Vukasin Todorovic, Daniel Emokhare.

Why they can move higher: Veteran guard options and multiple possible lineup combinations.

Biggest question: Rebounding, interior defense and freshman frontcourt adjustment.

12. Canisius

A complete rebuild with a more skilled offensive outline

Jim Christian has an entirely rebuilt roster, but the roles are easier to understand than the lack of continuity might suggest. Vinny Sigona supplies experienced guard play; Will Fowler brings Division II scoring and shooting; Preist Ryan adds physicality.

Nate Fouts returns to action after missing last season and can provide a skilled frontcourt hub if healthy. Clinton Efinda and Michael Wilson Jr. offer veteran wing options, while Nate Deer and Will Taylor give Christian alternatives around the rim.

The Golden Griffins must prove that better shooting translates into efficient possessions and that the new group can defend together. MMH projects 12th, one place above Blue Ribbon and in line with Torvik, while acknowledging that the entire rotation has to build chemistry.

Projected starting group: Vinny Sigona, Will Fowler, Clinton Efinda, Preist Ryan, Nate Fouts.

Why they can move higher: A more understandable skill mix and several players ready for larger roles.

Biggest question: The complete lack of returning rotation continuity.

13. Rider

A reliable point guard is the first step in the rebuild

Mark Butler arrives from Lafayette after averaging 10.7 points and 4.2 assists. He gives Kevin Baggett a familiar foundation: an experienced distributor who can help new teammates find their roles.

Bryce Baker and Ty Bevins are candidates for larger scoring responsibilities after injury-limited seasons. Horace Simmons Jr., Stephen Avegah Semey and Rich Brisco provide several frontcourt options, while Khalil Farmer and Nasir Washington add perimeter depth.

Rider is rebuilding after a 4-25 season, but the ranking is about the current roster's uncertainty rather than simply carrying last year's losses forward. The Broncs must establish efficient shooting, health and consistent interior production. Butler's organization gives them a route toward improvement; the rest still needs to be demonstrated.

Projected starting group: Mark Butler, Bryce Baker, Ty Bevins, Horace Simmons Jr., Stephen Avegah Semey.

Why they can move higher: A proven distributor and opportunities for several veterans to expand their roles.

Biggest question: Health, shooting efficiency and the reliability of the new interior group.

MMH preseason awards

• Projected regular-season champion: Merrimack
• Player of the Year: Keith McKnight, Quinnipiac
• Impact newcomer: Pace Prosser, Siena
• Sleeper: Saint Peter's
• Defensive player to watch: Abdou Khadre Kébé, Mount St. Mary's
• Breakout candidate: Tony Williams, Fairfield

Best backcourts

1. Merrimack: Anderson's passing and Anglin's scoring give Gallo complementary veteran options, with Lesburt adding positional size.
2. Siena: Prosser and Yildizoglu supply two creators; translating Prosser's Division II production is the main question.
3. Quinnipiac: Cunningham-Pemberton, Sekasi and Turnage offer different ways to organize and defend, with a substantial chemistry test.
4. Saint Peter's: Eaton and Walker offer passing and scoring, while Perkins and Wilson add defensive options.
5. Fairfield: Williams and Mejia provide continuity and room for development.

Best frontcourts

1. Iona: Mitchell, Jungers, Fall and Disu give the Gaels the broadest collection of interior skills and lineup alternatives.
2. Fairfield: Wucherpfennig is the centerpiece, with Martin, Munkadi and Smith competing to replace lost rebounding.
3. Quinnipiac: McKnight's versatility and Hart's activity can create matchup advantages.
4. Merrimack: Brogna's spacing and Wilborn's interior defense are a sensible pairing.
5. Sacred Heart: Curtis, Yadd and Robinson offer skill, physicality and athleticism if their roles fit together.

What will decide the race?

Returning-player development. Fairfield and Quinnipiac retained young players who can become more valuable than their freshman averages suggest.

The Division II transfers. Prosser, Anderson, Walker and Wallace are among the players stepping into consequential offensive roles. The quality of their prior production is relevant; the scoring averages will not transfer automatically.

Interior reliability. Saint Peter's, Mount St. Mary's and Niagara have perimeter arguments that look stronger than their established center production.

The tournament cutoff. Only 10 of the 13 teams reach Atlantic City. A lower-half program that improves early can turn a development season into a meaningful March opportunity.

More Metro coverage

• Saint Peter's sleeper analysis
• MMH's Top 10 Metro players

Source and methodology note: This October 13 editorial preview uses the 2026-27 Blue Ribbon Yearbook as its primary preseason guide, the October 13 Torvik 2027 Metro screenshot, current school rosters, the September 16 coaches' poll, and official conference standings and schedule information. Projected records and roles are MMH judgments, not official depth charts. The Torvik column reflects the supplied screenshot snapshot; it has not been substituted for a separately retrieved live table.

Official preseason poll | Conference schedule and tournament format | Metro rebrand