Oklahoma City – Nelson University will start the 2026-27 season as the top-ranked team in the Sooner Athletic Conference Men's Basketball league, as voted on by the conference head coaches.
 
The Lions earned 115 points with six first-place votes after claiming the 2025-26 regular season title with an overall record of 26-6 and a league mark of 19-3. Nelson also earned a berth into the NAIA National Tournament last season after falling in the conference tournament semifinals.
 
Langston will start the year in the second position with 113 points and six first-place votes after having an overall record of 29-8 and a league mark of 17-5. The Lions advanced to the NAIA National Tournament before falling in the championship game.
 
Wayland Baptist is the No. 3 team on the preseason list with 99 points after having an overall record of 29-8 and a conference mark of 20-6 last season. The Pioneers fell in the SAC tournament semifinals before earning a spot in the NAIA National Tournament.
 
The fourth spot on the list goes to Mid-America Christian with 92 points after completing the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 19-10 and a league mark of 13-9. The Evangels fell in the opening round of the SAC tournament last season.
 
Here is the complete 2026-27 SAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll:
1. Nelson                                           115 (6)
2. Langston                                      113 (6)
3. Wayland Baptist                         99
4. Mid-America Christian            92
5. Texas Wesleyan                         76
6. John Brown                                  74
7. Science & Arts                             56
8. Oklahoma City                            54
9. Southwestern Christian          34
10. Panhandle State                     28
T11. College of the Ozarks        25
T11. Central Christian                 25