By: Mark Wasik
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State men's basketball will enter the 2026-27 season with high expectations once again, as the Owls were picked to finish second in the CUSA Preseason Poll, the league office announced on Thursday. In addition, sophomore forwards Trey Simpson and Amir Taylor were both named to the CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team.
It marks the second straight season Kennesaw State has been picked second in the league's preseason poll, with the Owls entering 2026-27 in the same position they held a year ago before going on to capture the Conference USA Tournament championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament. KSU received 90 total points and three first-place votes, finishing just behind preseason favorite Western Kentucky, which collected 94 points and five first-place votes. Liberty was third with 79 points and two first-place votes, followed by Sam Houston (64) and Middle Tennessee (57).
Simpson earned CUSA All-Freshman Team honors during his first season with the Owls., as the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while appearing in all 35 contests, including 23 starts. He also finished with 44 blocked shots, the most among all returning CUSA players, while leading KSU with 58 made three-pointers.
Taylor enters his sophomore season after playing some of his best basketball down the stretch of KSU's championship season. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game overall, but raised his production to 12.5 points per game over the final 11 contests, scoring in double figures nine times and in each of the final seven games. He was named to the CUSA All-Tournament Team after helping lead the Owls to the conference title.
KSU's roster features six players who competed in Conference USA a season ago, as Simpson and Taylor are joined by Kaden Rickard, Avery Thomas II (Louisiana Tech), CJ Beaumont (Sam Houston) and Jacoby Hill (Jacksonville State). A strong five-player freshman class is also expected to make an impact for the Owls this season.
KSU will get its first look at outside competition on Sunday when the Owls host Mercer in an exhibition contest at 1 p.m. at VyStar Arena. The regular season officially tips off on Monday, Nov. 2 against Midway.
2026-27 CUSA Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
(First-place votes)
1. Western Kentucky (5) - 94 points
2. Kennesaw State (3) - 90 points
3. Liberty (2) - 79 points
4. Sam Houston - 64 points
5. Middle Tennessee - 57 points
6. New Mexico State - 56 points
7. Jacksonville State - 36 points
8. Missouri State - 28 points
9. FIU - 25 points
10. Delaware - 21 points
2026-27 CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team
Tijan Saine Jr., G, FIU
Trey Simpson, F, Kennesaw State
Amir Taylor, F, Kennesaw State
Jahvin Carter, G, Middle Tennessee
Trey Williams Jr., G, Missouri State
DJ Dudley, G, New Mexico State
Justin Begg, G, Sam Houston
Jacobe Coleman, G, Sam Houston
Armelo Boone, G, Western Kentucky
Teagan Moore, G, Western Kentucky
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
