America East Championship Futures: Odds, Favorites & Predictions
Updated November 3, 2026
Updated November 3, 2026
The 2027 America East Men's Basketball Championship race features a familiar group of contenders, with Vermont looking to reclaim the conference crown and defending champion UMBC seeking another NCAA Tournament appearance. Binghamton, NJIT, and Bryant also have legitimate opportunities to challenge the conference's established powers, while UAlbany tries to get back into contention. With the America East Tournament scheduled for March 6–13 and every game hosted by the higher seed, regular-season positioning will play a significant role in determining the champion.
The preseason favorites return standout Gus Yalden and remain the conference's gold standard.
The defending champions finished 14-2 in America East play last season.
With Jeremiah Quigley and Demetrius Lilley returning, the Bearcats have bounce-back potential.
Guard David Bolden leads a team looking to build on last season's third-place finish.
Returning forward Keegan Harvey provides an experienced offensive presence for the Bulldogs.
The preseason favorites return standout Gus Yalden and remain the conference's gold standard.
The defending champions finished 14-2 in America East play last season.
With Jeremiah Quigley and Demetrius Lilley returning, the Bearcats have bounce-back potential.
Guard David Bolden leads a team looking to build on last season's third-place finish.
Returning forward Keegan Harvey provides an experienced offensive presence for the Bulldogs.
Prediction: Vermont Catamounts to Win the America East Championship
Vermont is the pick in our college basketball predictions to win the America East Tournament. The Catamounts finished 12-4 in conference play last season and reached the championship game before falling to UMBC. Returning forward Gus Yalden, who averaged 16.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, provides a dependable offensive centerpiece. Combined with head coach John Becker's experience navigating conference championship races, Vermont has a strong foundation for another title run.
The biggest challengers could be UMBC and Binghamton. UMBC dominated conference play last season but faces significant roster turnover, while Binghamton's returning talent makes the Bearcats particularly dangerous if they remain healthy. Vermont also must successfully integrate a rebuilt perimeter rotation, but its combination of established talent and coaching continuity gives it the edge entering the season.
The America East's home-court tournament format strengthens Vermont's championship outlook. Securing the top seed would allow the Catamounts to host every postseason game they play, including a potential championship matchup. Vermont is our projected 2027 America East Tournament champion, with Binghamton representing an intriguing alternative if its returning core stays healthy.
Postseason Format
Every America East Tournament game is hosted by the higher seed, making regular-season standings important for championship futures.
Vermont's Guards
Gus Yalden anchors the Catamounts, but the development of their new guards could determine whether they finish atop the conference.
UMBC Roster Turnover
The Retrievers return only one starter from their 2026 championship team, creating uncertainty about their ability to repeat.
Playoff Qualification
Only eight of the conference's nine programs advance to the postseason, making qualification an additional consideration for long-shot futures selections.
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