Get ready to ride the One and Done train as we dive deep into the Southland Conference for the upcoming 2026-2027 college basketball season! This league is coming off one of its strongest analytical finishes ever, and the battle for the top spot is more intense than ever. Join Jay Heiner and Mike Holland as they break down all 12 teams into their signature tiers to see who has the best chance to make a run at the Big Dance.

🏀 Southland Conference Overview

We start with the foundation in the low tier, looking at programs like Incarnate Word and East Texas A&M that are navigating major roster resets. We also discuss the sudden coaching change at Nicholls State and the challenges facing Houston Christian as they look to find their footing in a competitive field.

Moving into the mid-tier, we analyze the potential of Northwestern State and the impressive coaching job happening at New Orleans under Coach Stacey Hollowell. We take a close look at Southeastern Louisiana's intriguing transfer class and why UT Rio Grande Valley might be the most dangerous wildcard in the conference thanks to their influx of Power 5 talent from the Will Wade coaching tree.

Finally, we reach the high tier where the heavy hitters reside. Can McNeese State continue their dominance under Bill Armstrong with a roster loaded with high-level transfers? We also break down the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks as they look to defend their regular-season crown. Plus, we look at the high ceiling for Lamar and the consistency of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Stick around until the end to hear our official picks for who will win the Southland!

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Southland Conference Overview

4:15 Low Tier / Incarnate Word and Nicholls State

8:30 Low Tier / Houston Christian and East Texas A&M

12:15 Mid Tier / Northwestern State and New Orleans

16:50 Mid Tier / Southeastern Louisiana and UTRGV

21:30 High Tier / McNeese State Cowboys

24:50 High Tier / Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

27:45 High Tier / Lamar and TAMU Corpus Christi

30:10 Final Predictions and Conference Winner Picks

Make sure to subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss a conference preview! Let us know in the comments who you think is taking home the Southland title this year.

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