Webster University is the overwhelming favorite in SLIAC Men's Basketball for the 2025-26 season. The Gorloks will be looking for the program's first championship since 2020 and will have a deep roster after welcoming in several players who played previously at Fontbonne University.

The Gorloks are the preseason favorites with 63 points and seven first-place votes. They bring back three starters from a team that went 15-13 overall and 12-6 in conference play, but add a pair of All-Conference performers from Fontbonne as well. Jemard Sykes led the Gorloks in scoring last year at 12.9 ppg; earning Second Team All-SLIAC honors. Also back from last year for head coach Chris Bunch are Sebastian Reed and Justin Ugo. Familiar faces now wearing the blue and gold are All-Conference players Ethan Chartrand and Charles Nelson as well as Adam Painter and Kendall Horton. Another transfer, Dallas Harding-Fair gives the Gorloks a deep rotation.

Lyon College was chosen 2nd in the poll with 52 points. The Scots were 18-9 overall and 14-4 in the SLIAC. Head Coach Rodney Mayes will look to guide the program to the postseason for the first time since joining the conference. Colbie West will step into a larger role this season after averaging 10.6 ppg last year. Also back are Kennedy Warren and Johnzell Bush. A large group of newcomers will factor heavily into the team's success. Among the new faces to watch will be Stephen Reed, Xavier Sorrell, Kenneth Brown, and Camron Williford.

Spalding University was the co-regular season champion last year and received 48 points and one first-place nod. The Golden Eagles were 18-8 overall and 16-2 in conference play but head coach Kevin Gray returns just one starter: Devonte McCampbell. Other returners are Xavier Burton, Kameron Jones, Levi Langley, Jaelen Leavell, and Marlin Byron. Newcomers who will see time on the court are LeKendrick Morris, DeAireus Wells, Brunley Fon, Daylyn Redden, Dawsyn Miller, and Lettwan Darden.

Greenville University received 36 total points and the remaining first-place vote. The Panthers were 20-8 overall and earned a share of the regular season title for a second consecutive season by going 16-2. Head Coach George Barber will have to reload however, with essentially a new team. Among the players he will be counting on are Elijah Goad, Sheldon Grant, Elliott Mobley, and Josh Williford.

Eureka College totaled 33 points in the poll. The Red Devils are coached by Chip Wilde and bring back three starters from a team that went 10-17 overall. The roster boasts 14 seniors and will build around their strong guard play with Micah Bruer, Jaxson Provost, and Ben Carter. Top newcomers to keep an eye on will be Tony Mabon, Nolan Kerr, Caden Latta, and Santino Ruma.

MUW picked up 30 total points after finishing 12-14 overall last year. Head Coach Dean Burrows will need to build his team back up with just four returners, including his lone starter, Jackson Reid. Reid averaged 7.0 ppg last year while finishing second on the team in three-pointers. Trenton Walker will play a larger role after putting up 7.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg in six starts last season. Nine newcomers join the Owls program and will compete to find minutes on the floor.

Westminster College finished with 26 points. Blue Jay head coach Todd Creal is looking for last year's young team to make strides this year. The Blue Jays were 5-20 one year ago but return four starters, including Third Team All-Conference selection Walker Gohring and SLIAC Freshman of the Year Jamile Johnson. Gohring averaged 14.4 ppg last season while Johnson put up 5.1 ppg and 5.0 rpg while shooting 58 percent from the field. Also back is Kolton Garner, who was 5th in the league in threes, and Gavin Hendrix, who averaged 7.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg.

Blackburn College collected 22 points after finishing 4-21 overall. Head Coach Austin Kirby returns three starters while bringing in some fresh faces to compete. Nick Cook led the team in scoring last year at 12.6 ppg while Darius Duff was at 11.7 ppg. Ayson McLuskie averaged 4.9 points during his freshman campaign. Top newcomers include Kamerin Carter, Keion Welch, and Payton Cook.

Principia College wraps up the poll with 14 points. The Panthers were 4-21 last season under head coach Neyko Dominguez. The lone returning starter is Nolan Simon, who averaged 16.9 points per game to go with 75 assists and 62 steals. Among a group of nine new players to keep an eye on are Mikhali Roberts, Jacob Mora, and Malik Smith.