When it comes to NCAA Tournament berths, the Missouri Valley Conference has been a one-team show in recent years. Drake has been the only MVC program to reach March Madness since the pandemic era.
But the Bulldogs lost a large chunk of their roster in the offseason, opening the door for new contenders. With multiple teams returning proven players and several fresh faces via the transfer portal, the MVC looks poised to send more than one team dancing in 2025–26.
Here’s RallyFuel’s season preview and team rankings for the 2025–26 Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball season.
1. Illinois State Redbirds
The Redbirds boast more roster stability than any other team in the MVC, making them the early fan favorite.
Forward Chase Walker, a first-team All-MVC selection, and guard Johnny Kinzinger, a second-team pick, could both challenge for Conference Player of the Year honors.
Sophomore forward Jack Daugherty, who shot 47.6% from three and earned All-Freshman honors last year, rounds out a balanced and dangerous core.
2. Northern Iowa Panthers
Northern Iowa returns 11 players from last year’s squad, giving Coach Ben Jacobson one of the deepest rosters in the league.
Top returners Trey Campbell and Ben Schwieger lead a veteran backcourt, while transfers Ismael Diouf (NC State) and Marino Dubravcic (Baylor) add valuable frontcourt size and experience.
3. Bradley Braves
Bradley must replace stars Duke Deen and Darius Hannah, but still features strong guard play.
Junior Demarion Burch and sophomore Jaquan Johnson anchor the perimeter, and 7-foot-1 center Ahmet Jonovicfrom Serbia could be a breakout player if his interior presence develops.
If Jonovic takes the expected leap, the Braves could challenge for the MVC crown.
4. Murray State Racers
It’s a fresh start in Murray. New coach Ryan Miller takes over a completely rebuilt roster.
Sophomore guard Layne Taylor (17.4 PPG at Central Arkansas) headlines a talented transfer class that also includes forwards J.J. Traynor (DePaul), Mason Miller (Creighton), and Frederick King (Creighton).
With this much new talent, the Racers could rise quickly once chemistry forms.
5. Indiana State Sycamores
Indiana State led the MVC in scoring last year but struggled defensively.
To fix that, the Sycamores added rim protector Markus Harding (Central Michigan) and versatile guard Camp Wagner(Rice).
Returning guards Sterling Young and Bruno Alocen keep the offense potent, but improved defense will determine their ceiling.
6. Belmont Bruins
Senior guard Tyler Lundblade, who found his rhythm last season after stints at TCU and SMU, is poised to become one of the league’s top scorers.
Forwards Sam Orme and Brigham Rogers return to provide interior balance for Coach Casey Alexander’s efficient offense.
7. Drake Bulldogs
After reaching the NCAA Tournament last year, Drake faces major turnover.
New coach Eric Henderson arrives from South Dakota State, bringing guard Owen Larson with him.
Key transfers Isaiah Carr (Denver) and Braden Appelhans (New Mexico) will look to fill the void left by the departing core.
8. Southern Illinois Salukis
Guard Drew Steffe, who started 19 games as a freshman, steps into a larger role.
The Salukis’ biggest addition is Isaiah Stafford (Valparaiso), a proven scorer who averaged 17 PPG in 2023–24 before missing last season with a knee injury.
If Stafford returns to form, SIU could outperform expectations.
9. UIC Flames
Guard Ahmad Henderson is the only significant returner for Coach Rob Ehsan, but a wave of new faces arrives.
Graduate transfers include Chris Walker (Binghamton, 11.5 PPG), while freshmen Rashund Washington Jr. and Nano Barrantes are expected to play right away.
Early cohesion will be the key for the Flames.
10. Valparaiso Beacons
Valpo was gutted when recent MVC Freshmen of the Year Cooper Schwieger and All Wright transferred out.
Coach Roger Powell Jr. will rely on transfers Isaiah Barnes (Tulsa) and Owen Deese (Texas A&M–Corpus Christi) to stabilize the lineup.
A full rebuild year appears likely in Valpo.
11. Evansville Purple Aces
Evansville loses four of its top five scorers, leaving significant questions.
The good news: 6-foot-11 Australian freshman James Dyson-Merwe joins the program, and center Connor Turnbull, last year’s MVC Defensive Player of the Year, returns to anchor the interior.
If Dyson-Merwe develops quickly, the Aces could surprise a few opponents.
Fan Fuel Outlook
The Missouri Valley Conference continues to embody competitive balance — talented programs, experienced coaches, and passionate fanbases.
Fans can fuel their favorite MVC athletes directly through RallyFuel, supporting verified NIL opportunities that empower both players and programs across the league.
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