Wheeling was picked fifth in the Mountain East Conference preseason poll after finishing third last season and reaching the conference tournament’s quarterfinals. The Cardinals return standout Ayden Goll and defensive leader Alex Smith, while adding size and experience through a large incoming class.

By the Numbers
  • Wheeling received 84 points in the preseason poll, 14 behind fourth-place Charleston.
  • Goll averaged 18.1 points per game and recorded 129 assists last season.
  • Smith led Wheeling with 52 steals and posted a 2.9 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Yes, But

Wheeling closed the regular season with five straight wins, including a victory over eventual conference champion West Liberty, but its postseason run ended with a 96-71 loss to Concord.

State of Play
  • Defending champion West Liberty tops the poll with 121 points and 11 first-place votes.
  • Wheeling returns key veterans and brings in 11 newcomers, including six transfers.
  • Forwards Moustapha Sanoh and Kwynsie Pittsnogle are expected to provide size and rebounding.
What’s Next

Wheeling opens the 2026-27 season against Ashland on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The Cardinals will look to turn last season’s late surge and returning leadership into another run at the conference tournament.

Bottom Line

Fifth in the preseason poll reflects a team with a strong returning core and fresh reinforcements—but Wheeling will need to sustain its late-season momentum to climb the MEC standings.