Big Sky Basketball Championship Futures: Predictions and Top Contenders
Updated November 3, 2026
Updated November 3, 2026
The 2027 Big Sky men's basketball championship race features several legitimate contenders, including Montana State, Northern Colorado, Eastern Washington, Portland State, and Montana. With Southern Utah and Utah Tech joining the conference, the expanded 11-team field introduces additional competition and a new tournament format. Below, we examine the leading contenders, our championship prediction, and the factors that could determine the outcome.
The preseason conference favorite returns much of its offensive production, led by Jed Miller.
Preseason conference MVP Langston Reynolds returns to lead the Bears this season.
Andrew Cook and Alton Hamilton IV give the Eagles an experienced core.
The defending regular-season champs add former Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year Koren Johnson.
Head coach Travis DeCuire's Grizzlies remain a serious contender in the Big Sky.
The preseason conference favorite returns much of its offensive production, led by Jed Miller.
Preseason conference MVP Langston Reynolds returns to lead the Bears this season.
Andrew Cook and Alton Hamilton IV give the Eagles an experienced core.
The defending regular-season champs add former Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year Koren Johnson.
Head coach Travis DeCuire's Grizzlies remain a serious contender in the Big Sky.
Prediction: Montana State Bobcats to win the Big Sky Tournament.
Montana State enters the season with an appealing combination of roster continuity, offensive efficiency, and experience. The Bobcats ranked 133rd nationally in KenPom's preseason ratings, the highest ranking of any Big Sky program. Their 2025–26 offense produced a 55.1% effective field goal percentage, reflecting an efficient shooting profile that could translate well to tournament play.
The Bobcats also return 65.7% of last season's scoring production and 74.8% of their three-point production. Jed Miller provides an established offensive centerpiece after shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc last season. That returning perimeter production should help Montana State maintain offensive consistency, while its experienced rotation provides an advantage over conference rivals integrating more new personnel.
Northern Colorado presents a significant challenge with Reynolds directing the offense, while Eastern Washington has the individual talent to threaten the favorites. However, Montana State's continuity, perimeter shooting, and proven conference competitiveness make the Bobcats our preferred college basketball prediction to capture the 2027 Big Sky Tournament championship.
Expanded Tournament
The addition of Southern Utah and Utah Tech creates an 11-team bracket, with the bottom two seeds facing an additional elimination game.
Tournament Location
The championship's established neutral-site venue creates a different environment from conference home games, with Idaho playing relatively close to home.
Returning Production
Montana State's roster continuity contrasts with several conference rivals undergoing significant changes, potentially influencing late-season performance.
Outside Shooting
Montana State's three-point-heavy offense makes opponents' perimeter defense especially important when evaluating potential tournament matchups.
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