Loyola Chicago opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season Monday at Gentile Arena against The Citadel. The Ramblers are rebuilding around two returning letterwinners and 14 newcomers, leaving major questions about how quickly the reshaped roster can come together.

By the Numbers
  • Loyola returns 15.7% of last season’s scoring: 348 of 2,204 points.
  • The Ramblers added 14 newcomers: 12 transfers, one freshman and one international player.
  • Loyola went 1-1 in exhibition games, beating Calumet College 110-49 and losing to DePaul 72-65.
  • The Citadel went 11-22 last season and was picked 10th in the Southern Conference preseason poll.
Yes, But

Loyola’s roster turnover is substantial, but Xavier Amos returns after averaging 11.1 points per game last season, and former Rambler Jayden Dawson is back practicing while awaiting a final eligibility ruling. The Citadel also brings back six players and adds 11 newcomers.

What's Next

The season opener will offer an early test of Loyola’s cohesion and rotation. Dawson’s eligibility remains unresolved, while the Ramblers begin their first-ever matchup with The Citadel.

Bottom Line

Loyola has talent and experience among its additions, but with little production returning, its early-season progress will depend on how quickly a largely new roster finds its footing.