NORFOLK, Va. (October 21, 2026) – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) revealed its 2026-27 men's basketball predicted order of finish where Howard University was picked to repeat as champions. The announcement came Wednesday morning.
 
Howard claimed the top spot, earning 62 points, including six first-place votes. Last season, it was a historic year for the program under head coach Kenneth Blakeney. The Bison won 24 games, tying the school record for most wins in a season. More importantly, they won a first round NCAA game for the first time in school history, setting the stage for something special in years to come.
 
Morgan State followed in second with 46 points (one first-place vote) while Norfolk State placed third with 43 points (one first-place vote). North Carolina Central finished fourth with 42 points, followed by South Carolina State (36 points), Delaware State and Coppin State tied for sixth (20 points each) and Maryland Eastern Shore (18 points), respectively.
 
Additionally, the conference also recognized student-athletes on its 2026-27 Preseason Watch List where senior guards Cedric Taylor III (Atlanta) and Cam Gillus (Falls Church, Va.) made the cut.
 
A year ago, Gillus earned 2025-26 BOXTOROW HBCU All-American First Team after ranking among the nation leaders in total steals. He led the league with 164 total assists while sitting among the conference leaders in multiple categories.
 
Taylor also made HBCU All-American status after winning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year last year. He led the league in scoring at 17.2 points per game while ranking top 10 in several categories.
 
The 2026-27 MEAC Men's Basketball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason Watch List was voted on by the conference's head coaches and sports information directors.
 
Howard begins its 2026-27 season in November.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the MEAC website at www.MEACSports.com.