The 2025-26 KCAC Men's Basketball Preseason Polls are out, and the rankings have already sparked some heated debates. While Oklahoma Wesleyan University sits comfortably at the top of both the Coaches' and Media Polls, it’s the middle and lower tiers that have everyone talking. But here’s where it gets controversial: Ottawa University, despite being slotted 10th by coaches and 7th by media, has a fanbase that believes they’re being underestimated. Could this be the year the Braves defy expectations? Let’s dive into the details.
In the Coaches' Poll, Oklahoma Wesleyan dominated with 162 points and seven first-place votes, followed closely by Friends University (156 points, six first-place votes). Bethel College and the University of Saint Mary tied for third with 139 points each, though Bethel snagged the final first-place vote. Rounding out the top five was Southwestern College with 128 points. The rest of the poll saw Evangel University (105) in sixth, McPherson College (81) in seventh, Avila University (78) in eighth, Kansas Wesleyan University (73) in ninth, and Ottawa University (69) in tenth. Sterling College (57), York University (34), Bethany College (33), and Tabor College (20) completed the rankings.
The Media Poll mirrored the coaches’ sentiments, with Oklahoma Wesleyan again leading the pack (159 points, six first-place votes), trailed by Friends University (158 points, five first-place votes). The University of Saint Mary secured third place with 137 points and the remaining first-place vote, while Southwestern College (126) and Bethel College (122) filled out the top five. Evangel University (100) took sixth, followed by Ottawa University (88) in seventh, Kansas Wesleyan University (86) in eighth, McPherson College (73) in ninth, and Avila University (63) in tenth. The bottom four included Sterling College (56), Bethany College (43), York University (26), and Tabor College (23).
And this is the part most people miss: While the top spots seem locked in, the middle and lower rankings reveal potential dark horses. For instance, could McPherson College’s strong showing in both polls hint at a breakout season? Or is Ottawa University’s lower ranking by coaches a sign of overlooked potential?
Ottawa University kicks off its 2025-26 season on Thursday, October 23, in Hesston, Kansas, against Hesston College, with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. Will they prove the doubters wrong? Only time will tell. What do you think? Are the polls spot-on, or is there a team that’s being slept on? Let us know in the comments!
