Summit League Championship Futures Predictions: Top Contenders & Winner
Updated November 11, 2026
Updated November 11, 2026
The 2026–27 Summit League men's basketball championship race features a competitive group of contenders led by North Dakota State, St. Thomas, and South Dakota State. With the conference reduced to eight teams following Denver's departure, the regular season will feature a balanced 14-game schedule before the Summit League Tournament determines the conference's automatic NCAA Tournament representative.
The defending champions return Andy Stefonowicz but must integrate a significantly rebuilt roster.
The Tommies will rely on three preseason All-Summit League First Team selections.
Preseason Player of the Year Joe Sayler leads a talented group looking to get back to the top.
Grant Stubblefield provides experience for a team seeking to climb into the conference's top tier.
Vince Buzelis headlines a roster that could outperform its middle-of-the-pack expectations.
The defending champions return Andy Stefonowicz but must integrate a significantly rebuilt roster.
The Tommies will rely on three preseason All-Summit League First Team selections.
Preseason Player of the Year Joe Sayler leads a talented group looking to get back to the top.
Grant Stubblefield provides experience for a team seeking to climb into the conference's top tier.
Vince Buzelis headlines a roster that could outperform its middle-of-the-pack expectations.
Our prediction to win the 2027 Summit League Tournament is St. Thomas. The Tommies have developed an offensive identity built around efficient shot selection, perimeter shooting, and protecting the basketball. During the 2025–26 season, St. Thomas recorded a 58.8% effective field goal percentage and a 14.0% offensive turnover rate, illustrating the effectiveness of that approach.
The return of Carter Bjerke and Austin Herro, combined with Kendall Blue's return to the program, gives St. Thomas several experienced contributors that could decide the college basketball predictions in this market. Bjerke shot 44.9% from three-point range last season, while Herro offers reliable ball distribution and defensive activity.
North Dakota State remains the primary challenger after winning both Summit League titles last season, but the Bison's extensive roster turnover introduces uncertainty. With both teams navigating significant personnel changes, St. Thomas' combination of perimeter scoring, experienced leadership, and offensive execution gives the Tommies a slight advantage.
8 Team Conference
Denver's departure creates a 14-game, double-round-robin schedule, giving contenders two regular-season meetings with every opponent.
Sioux Falling
The championship's longstanding South Dakota location could benefit nearby programs through familiarity and traveling fan support.
Rebuilding Bison
The defending champions added 13 newcomers, making their ability to develop chemistry particularly important to the title race.
Tommies Turnover
Despite returning several key contributors, the Tommies bring back only about 28% of their previous season's minutes.
