FRISCO – The East Texas A&M University men's basketball team has been ranked 12^th in the Southland Conference preseason poll for the 2026-27 season.
 
The Southland Conference preseason poll is voted on by each school, ranking their predicted order of regular-season finish, not including their own team. First-place votes are worth 11 points, second-place votes are worth 10, and so on to one point for 11^th place.
 
Last season, the Lions finished tied for 11^th in the conference. This year, they look to improve upon that position with a roster that includes a significant number of new faces. The team welcomes eight international newcomers and three transfers, with only one player returning who appeared in a game last season.
 
The Lions will tip off their season on November 2 with an away game against Oklahoma, set for 7 PM.
 
Their first home game is scheduled for November 11 against FDU, starting at 10:30 a.m. This game marks Education Day, presented by Signature Solar. Tickets can be purchased at LionAthletics.com/tickets.  
 

Rank	Team	Pts (First-Place Votes)
1	McNeese	121 (11)
2	SFA	109
3	A&M-Corpus Christi	98 (1)
4	Lamar	91
5	UTRGV	78
6	LSU New Orleans	68
7	HCU	47
8	Northwestern State	45
9	Southeastern	38
10	Nicholls	37
11	UIW	36
12	EAST TEXAS A&M	24