Most of last season’s top Patriot League players have left through graduation and the transfer portal. That means there will be uncertainty throughout the league.
However, there still are some key players returning and that’s why Navy, Boston University, Bucknell and Colgate are high on the list of fan favorites to win the league.
Here’s a preview and rankings for the 2025-26 Patriot League men’s basketball season:
1. NAVY
After 12 seasons as an assistant, Jon Perry is the new head coach in Annapolis and he’s stepping into a great situation. The roster remains mostly intact from last season and is highlighted by Austin Benigni, who was chosen by conference coaches as the Preseason Patriot League Player of the year. Six-foot-11 senior center Aidan Kehoe should give the Midshipmen plenty of inside scoring and rebounding.
2. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
There is a lot of fan excitement in Boston with the return of forward Ethan Okwuosa, who missed all but one game last season due to injury. They Terriers also return double-digit scorers in Kyrone Alexander and Michael McNair and Malcolm Chimezie provides a strong presence on the inside.
3. COLGATE
Junior guard Jalen Cox established himself as a star last season and should be even better this season. He’ll get plenty of help from the wing with Brady Cummings and Parker Jones returning. Colgate fans have high hopes for athletic freshman forward Ayomi Odetoyinbo. The Raiders also added Green Bay transfer Ben Tweedy.
4. BUCKNELL
The Bison took two heavy hits with the departures of big man Noah Williamson and guard Josh Basco. Coach John Griffin will rely on returners Achile Spadone and Ruot Biiek. The wild card for Bucknell will be how quickly center Amon Dorries, a freshman from Germany, develops.
5. AMERICAN
The defending Patriot League champions suffered heavy losses to graduation. But Coach Duane Simpkins still has some experience on his roster. After three seasons as a backup, Geoff Sprouse is stepping into the starting job at point guard. The Eagles also have a solid all-around player in Greg Jones and an outside scoring threat in Matt Mayock.
6. LAFAYETTE
After averaging 14 points a game last season, Alex Chaikin transferred to UC San Diego. But Lafayette returns another sharp shooter in sophomore Caleb Williams. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by point guard Mark Butler. Lafayette has high hopes for a pair of freshmen — Luke Bevilacqua and Andrew Phillips.
7. LOYOLA (MARYLAND)
With Jordan Stiemke, Jacob Thodosiou and Braden Speed, Loyola has one of the Patriot League’s best backcourts. Coach Josh Loeffler also reached into the transfer portal to grab Jonas Sitautas (Radford) and Sam Springer (Air Force)
8. HOLY CROSS
Junior forward Joe Nugent is an established star and Holy Cross has two players with breakout potential in Tyler Boston, who missed much of last season due to injury, and sophomore forward Aidan Richard, who showed lots of promise as a freshman.
9. LEHIGH
Junior guard Nasir Whitlock came off the bench last season, but moves into the starting lineup and a prominent role this season. The Mountain Hawks sophomore forwards Edouard Benoit and Hank Alvey will play big roles this season.
10. ARMY
The Black Knights might have a hard time replacing departed stars Josh Scovens and Jalen Rucker. That means they’ll have to rely heavily on junior point guard Ryan Curry for leadership and scoring.
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