On Thursday afternoon, the Ohio Valley Conference announced the 2026-27 OVC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll ahead of the upcoming season.

Tennessee State, last season's OVC Tournament champions, were picked to win the conference, receiving 125 points and 13 first-place votes. SEMO was selected to finish second with 107 points and two first-place votes. Morehead State, SIUE, and UT Martin were all picked to finish tied for third with 86 points each, while Morehead State received three first-place votes.

Lindenwood was selected to finish sixth in the preseason poll, earning 61 points. Southern Indiana (44 points), Eastern Illinois (37 points), and Western Illinois (17 points) rounded out the poll.

The Lions will travel to Southern Illinois on Tuesday, October 20, for an exhibition matchup against the Salukis before opening the regular season on Monday, November 2, at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. Tipoff against the Horned Frogs is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, with the game streaming on ESPN+.

2026-27 OVC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. Tennessee State (13 first-place votes) 125 points
2. Southeast Missouri (2) 107 points
3. Morehead State (3) 86 points
    SIUE 86 points
    UT Martin 86 points
6. Lindenwood 61 points
7. Southern Indiana 44 points
8. Eastern Illinois 37 points
9. Western Illinois 17 points