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The West Virginia Mountaineers will tip off their 2026-27 campaign on Monday night against Niagara at Hope Coliseum, marking the second year under head coach Ross Hodge. With a revamped roster and a challenging schedule, the staff at West Virginia On SI has offered differing projections for the team's final record.
Schuyler Callihan forecasts a 21-11 overall mark and a 9-9 finish in Big 12 play. He anticipates a couple of setbacks in Las Vegas at the Players Era Tournament but expects the Mountaineers to rebound with neutral-court victories over North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Pitt, and Wake Forest. Callihan notes that while he would typically predict a loss or two in those matchups, the team's depth and versatility give him confidence. He envisions a strong start to conference play after a loss to Kansas, followed by a tough stretch with defeats to BYU, Arizona, UCF, Iowa State, Texas, Baylor, Cincinnati, and Houston—though not all consecutively. With multiple scoring options and an improving defense, Callihan believes a 21-11 record will be enough to secure an NCAA Tournament bid.
Christopher Hall projects a stronger 24-8 overall record and an 11-7 league mark. He highlights the loaded nonconference schedule, which includes the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, a neutral-site game against North Carolina in Charlotte, and rivalry contests at Pitt and versus Virginia Tech. Hall acknowledges that a tough nonconference slate could hinder a team with many newcomers, including a freshman point guard, but he believes early losses won't derail this group. He writes that the nonconference record may not reflect the team's potential by March, and if the Mountaineers only drop one or two games before Big 12 play, they could be legitimate contenders. Regardless of the nonconference outcome, Hall expects WVU to finish in the top half of the league and be dangerous in the postseason.
Key Analysis
Freshman point guard Miles Sadler has lived up to expectations and boasts a high ceiling, though Hall notes he has room to grow on both ends, particularly defensively against the Big 12's talented guards. Sophomore guard Amir Jenkins is expected to make his mark by slowing down opposing offenses, especially on the road where momentum swings need to be curbed. Hall also points to fifth-year forward Brenen Lorient, an X-factor last season, and guard Seydou Traore as key contributors. The frontcourt features significant size with 7-foot-1 freshman center Amadou Seini and 6-foot-10 centers Mouhamed Sylla (sophomore) and Aliou Dioum (freshman). Projected leading scorer Finley Bizjack, a guard, headlines the backcourt, while junior guard Joson Sanon appears capable of filling up the stat sheet from outside. Junior forward Javan Buchanan and junior guard Martin Somerville are also expected to have their moments. Hall expresses that he hasn't been this excited about a Mountaineer basketball team since Deuce McBride returned for his sophomore season.
Both writers agree that West Virginia has plenty of scoring options but still needs to come together defensively. There is a willingness to improve on that end, so concerns are minimal moving forward. Compared to last year's team, this edition is deeper and further along in year two under Hodge. The pieces are in place for a memorable season and a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four seasons.