The MIAA coaches and media preseason polls have tabbed the Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team for 10th place.

Third-year head coach Matt Keeley returns to guide the Bearcat men's basketball program. Keeley and the Bearcats had a nine-win improvement from year one to year and qualified for the MIAA Tournament last season.

Sophomore Robby Garcia is Northwest's top returning scorer at 9.5 points per contest. Fifth-year senior Trey Moala is the top returning rebounder at 4.0 boards per game. Sophomore Larenz Walters tallied team-bests in assists (39) and steals (26) a season ago.

The men will open the 2026-27 season at home Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. against the William Jewell Cardinals.

MEN'S PRESEASON COACHES POLL:
1. Washburn [12] – 168 points
2. Central Missouri [1] – 154 points
3. Missouri Western – 123 points
4. Missouri Southern [1] – 120 points
5. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 114 points
6. Rogers State – 111 points
7. Pittsburg State – 104 points
8. Fort Hays State – 103 points
9. Central Oklahoma – 90 points
10. Northwest Missouri – 59 points
11. Nebraska Kearney – 43 points
12. Emporia State – 36 points
13. Northeastern State – 35 points
14. Newman – 14 points
[#] - First Place Votes

MEN'S PRESEASON MEDIA POLL:
1. Washburn [30] – 392 points
2. Rogers State – 326 points
3. Central Missouri – 322 points
4. Missouri Western – 293 points
5. Fort Hays State – 253 points
6. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 252 points
7. Missouri Southern – 241 points
8. Pittsburg State – 206 points
9. Central Oklahoma – 193 points
10. Northwest Missouri – 155 points
11. Nebraska Kearney – 101 points
12. Northeastern State – 86 points
13. Emporia State – 79 points
14. Newman – 41 points
[#] - First Place Votes