The Big South Conference just dropped its 2025-26 preseason basketball rankings, and let’s just say, the stakes are higher than ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: Charleston Southern University (CSU) isn’t exactly at the top of the list—yet. The men’s team is projected to finish seventh out of nine, while the women’s team lands in fifth place. Is this a fair assessment, or are the Buccaneers being underestimated? Let’s dive in.
During the conference’s preseason media day on Wednesday, all eyes were on the polls and all-conference teams. CSU’s guard A’lahn Sumler snagged a second-team preseason all-conference spot for the men, while guard Tyonna Bailey did the same for the women. And this is the part most people miss: Sumler, who sat out last season due to injury, averaged nearly 14 points per game two seasons ago. Could his return be the game-changer CSU needs?
The men’s team wrapped up last season with a 10-22 overall record and a 6-12 conference standing. With only three returning players due to graduations and transfers, Coach Saah Nimley has his work cut out for him. But here’s the twist: Nimley rebuilt the roster with talent from Division II, NAIA, and junior colleges. “I am very excited to see this team play against other teams,” he said. Is this a risky move, or the start of something special?
On the women’s side, Coach Clarisse White’s squad finished 14-16 last season, losing their top two scorers. Yet, Bailey stepped up, averaging 8.9 points per game and solidifying her spot as one of the Big South’s top defenders. With her leadership, could the women’s team surpass expectations?
Both CSU teams hit the road for their season openers on November 3. The men face Virginia Tech, while the women take on Jacksonville. Meanwhile, High Point dominates the preseason predictions, favored to win both the men’s and women’s championships. High Point’s Nevaeh Zavala is the women’s preseason player of the year, and UNC Asheville’s Toyaz Solomon takes the men’s title.
Here’s how the full rankings shake out:
Men’s Basketball
1. High Point
2. UNC Asheville
3. Longwood
4. Radford
5. Winthrop
6. Presbyterian
7. Charleston Southern
8. Gardner-Webb
9. USC Upstate
Women’s Basketball
1. High Point
2. Longwood
3. Radford
4. Winthrop
5. Charleston Southern
6. USC Upstate
7. Gardner-Webb
8. Presbyterian
9. UNC Asheville
Controversial Question: Are the preseason rankings a reliable predictor of success, or do they overlook teams like CSU that are rebuilding with potential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is just heating up!
