MEAC Basketball Championship Predictions: Futures Preview and Top Contenders
Updated November 10, 2026
Updated November 10, 2026
The 2027 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men's basketball championship race features several programs capable of competing for the conference's automatic NCAA Tournament berth. Defending champion Howard enters the season with an experienced roster, while Morgan State, Norfolk State, and North Carolina Central lead a competitive group of challengers.
The defending MEAC tournament champion returns playmakers Cam Gillus and Cedric Taylor III.
The Bears finished second in the 2026 standings and return leading scorer Alfred Worrell Jr.
The 2025 MEAC tournament champion remains a dangerous contender.
Significant roster turnover makes their ability to develop chemistry especially important.
Guards Mitchell Taylor and Noah Treadwell among the conference's players to watch.
The defending MEAC tournament champion returns playmakers Cam Gillus and Cedric Taylor III.
The Bears finished second in the 2026 standings and return leading scorer Alfred Worrell Jr.
The 2025 MEAC tournament champion remains a dangerous contender.
Significant roster turnover makes their ability to develop chemistry especially important.
Guards Mitchell Taylor and Noah Treadwell among the conference's players to watch.
Howard is our prediction to win the 2027 MEAC men's basketball championship. Head coach Kenneth Blakeney has established a program with postseason experience, and the Bison return several important contributors from their 2026 championship team. Cedric Taylor III provides scoring and defensive disruption, while Cam Gillus offers experienced ball handling and playmaking. The return of Alex Cotton and Ose Okojie further strengthens a rotation that should be well positioned to compete for another conference title.
Howard's statistics from the 2025–26 season reinforce their place in our college basketball predictions for this year. The Bison recorded a 36.4% offensive rebounding rate while forcing turnovers on 21.2% of opposing possessions, demonstrating an ability to generate extra scoring opportunities and disrupt opposing offenses.
Morgan State and Norfolk State represent significant obstacles for the Bison, particularly given their established conference competitiveness. Morgan State has an experienced perimeter scorer in Alfred Worrell Jr., while Norfolk State could benefit from playing the championship tournament in its home city.
Howard must also replace the production of departed standout Bryce Harris, creating some uncertainty around its interior scoring and rebounding. Nevertheless, the Bison's combination of returning talent, defensive versatility, and championship experience makes Howard the strongest overall selection to repeat as MEAC champion.
Tournament Format
The eight-team MEAC tournament requires the champion to navigate three elimination games, making depth and consistency important.
Tournament Location
The tournament's Norfolk Scope Arena setting gives Norfolk State a geographic advantage and the potential for strong local support.
Roster Continuity
Howard returns much of its championship rotation, while teams such as North Carolina Central must integrate substantially rebuilt rosters.
MEAC Scheduling
The MEAC's 14-game, home-and-away conference schedule determines seeding and can significantly influence each contender's tournament path.
