The wait for basketball season continues, so I figured I'd add a little more MVC content to help pass the time.
I've posted my 2026 MVC Preseason Power Rankings over at The Beacon Brief. Give it a read and let me know where you agree (or disagree) with the rankings. You'll also find plenty of other offseason MVC and Valpo basketball coverage.
Well, it's Friday, so I've come to share my latest offseason content.
Many of you already subscribe (it's free, with no paywall), and I truly appreciate the support. If you haven't subscribed yet, I'd be grateful if you'd consider it. If you're already a subscriber and enjoy the content, please hit the heart/like button on the article. Every bit of engagement helps expand the reach and introduces more Valpo and MVC fans to the page.
The offseason is finally winding down, and we're getting closer to real basketball. Hang in there, everyone. Tip-off season is almost here.
Thanks again for all the support, and I hope you enjoy the latest article!
Delayed response to power rankings. 1st thanks for sharing. 2nd no idea where it came from but Wikipedia has one, no source. It also has VU #4, probably about right but I am more optimistic/hoping for better. You have Bradley 8, Wiki 6. I think they are going to be a trainwreck, I maybe wrong but I believe they will struggle, and be bottom dwellers.
@mwsportsfan Thanks for the feedback. Bradley was probably the team I struggled with the most when putting these rankings together. In the end, I just couldn't move them any higher considering how much they lost. I certainly don't wish that situation on any program, given what we've experienced ourselves. That said, I think you're right that Bradley's floor is pretty low this year. There are also enough questions that they could easily outperform expectations as well. Bradley is more unknown this preseason then they have been in a long time.
Delayed response to power rankings. 1st thanks for sharing. 2nd no idea where it came from but Wikipedia has one, no source. It also has VU #4, probably about right but I am more optimistic/hoping for better. You have Bradley 8, Wiki 6. I think they are going to be a trainwreck, I maybe wrong but I believe they will struggle, and be bottom dwellers.
The preseason poll referenced on wiki is Blue Ribbon forecast. Its the only major poll with the teams in that order and UIC at the top
@mwsportsfan Thanks for the feedback. Bradley was probably the team I struggled with the most when putting these rankings together. In the end, I just couldn't move them any higher considering how much they lost. I certainly don't wish that situation on any program, given what we've experienced ourselves. That said, I think you're right that Bradley's floor is pretty low this year. There are also enough questions that they could easily outperform expectations as well. Bradley is more unknown this preseason then they have been in a long time.
Much to do fine folks on the Bradley forum's shagrin
As for UIC, they probably will not be the bottom feeders of days old, the only problem I see is with fan support. They still ranked among the bottom of the valley in overalls attendance despite their performance last season. If they do get the fan support, I don't think they will be long for the valley considering they are now backed by a Chicago tech mogul