Concordia is the preseason pick in the GPAC, with Morningside and Dordt close enough to make the top of this ballot interesting.
The Bulldogs lead the 2026–27 men’s basketball coaches poll with 96 points and six first-place votes. Morningside follows with 91 points and three first-place votes, while Dordt is third with 84 and the remaining two.
Dakota Wesleyan is fourth at 64 points, just ahead of Mount Marty at 62. Northwestern, last season’s conference tournament champion, is sixth with 57.
2026–27 preseason coaches poll
- Concordia
- Morningside
- Dordt
- Dakota Wesleyan
- Mount Marty
- Northwestern
- Briar Cliff
- Midland
- Doane
- Hastings
- Waldorf
Briar Cliff received 52 points, Midland 34, Doane 33, Hastings 21 and Waldorf 11.
Morningside won last season’s regular-season championship. Now the coaches have placed Concordia five points ahead of the defending champion, with Dordt also earning multiple first-place votes.
The poll used a 10-to-1 points system, and coaches could not vote for their own teams. All first-place support landed with the top three, giving the opening conference race a clear group to watch.
There are tight gaps elsewhere, too. Dakota Wesleyan and Mount Marty are separated by two points, and Midland and Doane by one. The preseason order is set. The games get the final say.
