Main Story

McNeese is the clear favorite to win a fourth straight Southland Conference men’s basketball tournament title, after topping the league’s 2026-27 preseason poll. The Cowboys return standout sophomore Larry Johnson and have added six players from Power Four programs as they pursue a place in conference history.

By the Numbers
  • McNeese received 11 of 12 first-place votes and 121 poll points; Stephen F. Austin was second with 109.
  • The Cowboys went 28-6 last season, including 19-3 in conference play, and beat SFA 76-59 in the tournament final.
  • Across the past three seasons, McNeese is 86-17 overall and 55-5 in conference games.
  • Johnson scored 592 points as a freshman, setting a school record and breaking Joe Dumars’ mark that had stood for 44 years.
Yes, But

McNeese must replace much of its roster, with Johnson, Jerrell Colbert and Carl Cherenfant the main returning contributors named. Its six Power Four additions bring size and experience, but preseason expectations still need to be proved on the court.

What's Next

McNeese opens the season Nov. 2 against UAB in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and begins conference play at home against HCU on Dec. 5. A fourth straight tournament title would make the Cowboys only the second team in Southland history to accomplish the feat, joining ULM’s 1990-93 run.

Bottom Line

The poll puts McNeese in the driver’s seat, but sustaining a championship streak will depend on turning a highly regarded recruiting class into a cohesive team around Johnson.