McNeese opens its 2026-27 season Monday against UAB in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with sophomore Larry Johnson leading a team aiming to extend its run of Southland Conference tournament titles. The Cowboys return after a 28-6 season and add six high-major transfers under second-year coach Bill Armstrong.

By the Numbers
  • Tipoff: 4:30 p.m. CT; the game will stream live on YouTube.
  • McNeese went 28-6 last season and won its third straight Southland tournament title.
  • Johnson scored 597 points as a freshman, averaging 17.4 points per game.
  • Six high-major transfers joined the roster—the most in school history.
Yes, But

McNeese has strong momentum and a standout returning scorer, but its roster has undergone significant change. The six transfers and two freshmen expected to contribute will need to adjust quickly as the Cowboys pursue another title.

What's Next

The Cowboys begin with UAB in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. A fourth consecutive Southland tournament championship would match a feat achieved only once before in conference history, by ULM from 1990-93.

Bottom Line

Johnson gives McNeese a proven scoring centerpiece, but the season’s early test is how quickly Armstrong’s revamped roster can come together.