With the college basketball season just a week away, attention often gravitates toward perennial powerhouses. However, the true magic of the sport lies in mid-major basketball teams, where unexpected contenders rise, defy expectations and deliver thrilling, successful seasons.
While college football follows a clear structure with automatic-qualifying and non-qualifying conferences for the College Football Playoff, the term “mid-major” in basketball is more subjective. For clarity and consistency, MidMajorBasketball.com defines mid-majors as teams from conferences outside the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC and Big East.
Below is a look at the preseason Mid-Major Basketball Mid-Major Top 25 Poll.
Top 25 Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1. | Gonzaga |
| 2. | Grand Canyon |
| 3. | Boise State |
| 4. | Memphis |
| 5. | Dayton |
| 6. | Saint Mary’s |
| 7. | San Diego State |
| 8. | VCU |
| 9. | New Mexico |
| 10. | Loyola Chicago |
| 11. | San Francisco |
| 12. | McNeese |
| 13. | Saint Louis |
| 14. | Nevada |
| 15. | Arkansas State |
| 16. | Princeton |
| 17. | UAB |
| 18. | Bradley |
| 19. | Ohio |
| 20. | High Point |
| 21. | Milwaukee |
| 22. | Utah State |
| 23. | Colorado State |
| 24. | Florida Atlantic |
| 25. | Vermont |
Teams that just missed the cut (in no particular order): North Texas, UNLV, Little Rock, Santa Clara, Saint Joseph’s, Western Kentucky, UC Irvine, Yale, South Florida, Towson.
Do you agree with the poll? Share your thoughts with us on X (Twitter).
[…] Although Arkansas State has only one Division I NCAA Tournament appearance, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. After coming up just one win short in last year’s Sun Belt Tournament championship game against James Madison, the Red Wolves have reloaded with depth and experience. Key returners Taryn Todd and Izaiyah Nelson join forces with transfer additions Cody Head (Lipscomb) and Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year Kobe Julien (Louisiana), putting Arkansas State in a prime position for a tournament run. […]