Black Hills State enters 2026-27 as the RMAC preseason favorite after a historic season that included conference and tournament titles, a regional championship and an Elite Eight appearance. Jaeton Hackley leads a team returning three of five starters, alongside incoming All-RMAC guards Jaxon Smith and Ben Henderson.

By the Numbers
  • Black Hills State earned 192 poll points and 12 first-place votes.
  • The Yellow Jackets went 28-? last season; the provided information does not give their win-loss record.
  • Hackley averaged 12.5 points and 4.4 assists per game in 2025-26.
  • Coach Ryan Thompson has a 169-71 career record and is 11 wins from the school’s all-time men’s basketball wins record.
Yes, But

The Yellow Jackets lost three of their four All-RMAC selections from last season, making the arrival of Smith and Henderson—and the continued development of returning starters—important to their title defense.

What's Next

Black Hills State opens the regular season Nov. 7 against Lander at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, then begins RMAC play at home against Western Colorado on Dec. 3.

Bottom Line

Black Hills State has the résumé and returning leadership to justify its preseason favorite status, but defending the crown will depend on blending three key returners with two high-scoring transfers.