Murray State Racers 2026–2027 Season Preview
Up Next: Murray State
2025–2026 Recap
The Murray State Racers experienced a tale of two seasons in Ryan Miller's first year at the helm. The Racers opened the year 16-3 and looked every bit like a Missouri Valley Conference title contender, winning their first eight conference games and establishing themselves as the team to beat in the Valley.
That momentum quickly unraveled, however, as Murray State finished just 4-10 over its final 14 games. The Racers still finished 20-13 overall and 12-8 in conference play, earning the No. 4 seed at Arch Madness before being upset by UIC in their opening game. Murray State also earned an NIT berth but saw its season come to an end with a first-round loss to Nevada.
Despite the disappointing finish, Fred King earned First Team All-MVC honors, Javon Jackson landed on the Second Team, and Roman Domon was named Third Team All-MVC and MVC Freshman of the Year.
Offseason Turnover
Like many programs across the MVC, Murray State lost significant production from last year's roster, including two All-Conference performers in Fred King and Javon Jackson.
The biggest offseason victory for Ryan Miller and his staff may have been retaining Roman Domon. The sophomore wing-forward is one of the conference's premier returning players and gives the Racers a foundational piece to build around. Murray State also appears to have leveraged significant NIL resources, allowing the coaching staff to be aggressive in both the transfer portal and international recruiting markets.
Departures
- KJ Tenner – UTSA
- Layne Taylor – Arkansas State
- Brock Vice – Kansas State
- Dylan Anderson – Northern Arizona
- Javon Jackson – Graduation
- Mason Miller – Graduation
- JJ Traynor – Graduation
- Fred King – Graduation
Returning Minutes by Position
|
Position |
Returning Minutes |
|
PG |
0% |
|
SG |
21% |
|
SF |
36% |
|
PF |
72% |
|
C |
17% |
Takeaway: Murray State returns 0% of its point guard minutes and only 21% of its shooting guard minutes, meaning the Racers will lean heavily on transfer additions to rebuild the backcourt. The good news is that 72% of the power forward minutes return, led by Roman Domon, giving Miller an established cornerstone around which to rebuild the roster.
Returning Core
Roman Domon (6-9, G/F, So.)
The reigning MVC Freshman of the Year returns as one of the conference's most valuable building blocks. Domon's combination of size, versatility, and playmaking ability gives Murray State a legitimate star around whom to build. Entering his sophomore season, he has a realistic chance to earn First Team All-MVC honors. Additionally, this dude seems to get every foul call.
Mathis Courbon (6-6, G/F, So.)
Courbon quietly carved out a role as a freshman and should see increased opportunities this season. His versatility and size make him an intriguing piece as the Racers replace production on the wing.
Brayden Shorter (6-5, G, Sr.)
A reliable rotation contributor, Shorter provides experience, toughness, and continuity. His leadership should be valuable as several newcomers are integrated into the lineup.
Ben Shtolzberg (6-4, G, Rs. Sr.)
After not playing last season, Shtolzberg returns as an experienced veteran who could provide valuable depth and perimeter shooting.
Dillon Butler (6-3, G, Fr.)
Did not see action last season.
Key Additions
Murray State attacked the transfer portal aggressively, bringing in a combination of high-major athleticism, veteran experience, and frontcourt depth.
Kaden Magwood (6-2, G, So.) – Auburn
Auburn transfer Kaden Magwood brings high-level athleticism and scoring upside to Murray State. An explosive downhill guard, Magwood has the ability to attack the rim, create offense in transition, and impact the game on both ends of the floor. If his perimeter shot continues to develop, he could emerge as one of the MVC's breakout players this season.
Christian Jones (6-4, G, Rs. Jr.) – George Washington
George Washington transfer Christian Jones gives Murray State an experienced, versatile guard who can contribute on both ends of the floor. His size, toughness, and ability to defend multiple positions should make him a valuable piece of the rotation.
Brigham Rogers (6-9, F, Sr.) – Belmont
Belmont transfer Brigham Rogers brings veteran experience, size, and physicality to Murray State's frontcourt. A strong rebounder and dependable interior presence, Rogers should provide valuable leadership and depth.
Shon Tupuola (6-10, F, Sr.) – Valparaiso 😥
Tupuola gives the Racers another experienced frontcourt piece. His size, rebounding ability, and physical style of play should help Murray State establish a stronger defensive and rebounding presence around the basket.
Incoming Freshmen
Ryan Miller once again dipped heavily into the international recruiting market, assembling one of the MVC's more intriguing freshman classes.
- Mark Padjen (6-6, G)
- Talis Soulhac (6-2, G)
- Pavle Nikolic (6-8, F)
- Navon Shabazz (6-3, G)
- Lachlan Crate (6-8, G/F)
- Jonas Boulefaa (6-10, F)
Murray State found success with international talent a year ago, and the coaching staff hopes this group can produce another impact contributor or two.
Key Questions
- Can Roman Domon make the jump to First Team All-MVC?
- Who replaces the production and leadership of Fred King and Javon Jackson?
- Will the new-look frontcourt live up to its potential?
- Can Murray State improve defensively after last season's late-season struggles?
- Do the transfer additions provide enough perimeter shooting?
- Can the Racers maintain consistency throughout conference play and avoid another second-half collapse?
Outlook
No team in the MVC may have a wider range of outcomes than Murray State.
The Racers return only one starter and lost significant production, but they also retained arguably the conference's most important returning building block in Roman Domon. Surrounding him is what could be the league's most talented transfer class, featuring athletic guards, experienced veterans, and multiple frontcourt additions.
The biggest challenge will be replacing the production of King and Jackson while developing chemistry among so many new faces.
The Racers also deserve the benefit of the doubt after successfully integrating international talent last season. With another highly touted international class arriving in Murray, there is reason to believe additional contributors could emerge as the season progresses.
Biggest Strengths
- Roman Domon's star potential
- Athletic transfer class
- Frontcourt depth and size
- Strong NIL support and roster investment
Biggest Concerns
- Replacing two All-MVC performers
- 0% returning point guard minutes
- Defensive consistency
- Team chemistry and roster integration
Projection
MVC Finish: 1st–4th
The Racers appear far too talented to fall into the bottom half of the conference. Their combination of size, athleticism, and transfer portal additions gives them one of the highest ceilings in the Valley.
The biggest question remains on the defensive end, where last season's struggles ultimately prevented Murray State from sustaining its early success. If the newcomers improve that area and the team comes together quickly, Murray State has a realistic path to competing for an MVC championship.
Final Thought
Roman Domon gives the Racers a legitimate star to build around. The floor may be lower than some expect due to the turnover, but the ceiling is as high as anyone's in the MVC. If the pieces fit, Murray State has every opportunity to finish near the top of the league and make a push for a conference title.