- SCORESNov 9
No. 3 Gannon University opened its 2026-27 season with a decisive 98-69 victory over No. 19 Central Missouri. The win establishes the Gannon men's basketball team as a formidable contender early in the campaign, showcasing their offensive firepower against a ranked opponent. This result highlights the depth and talent within the program as they look to maintain their high ranking. The performance sets a strong tone for the rest of the season, demonstrating the team's ability to control the pace and score efficiently. Such a dominant start is crucial for building momentum in a competitive Division II landscape.
- WIRENov 9
The Fayetteville State University Broncos will open their 2026‑27 men’s basketball season against Concord University in a non‑conference matchup. As a CIAA member, the Broncos view the game as an early test of their roster ahead of conference play. The outcome will help coach (name not provided) assess player chemistry and set the tone for the season’s competitive schedule. Scheduling such games is common for D‑II programs seeking to balance challenging opponents with opportunities to build confidence.
- PRONov 6
Max Strus, who played Division II basketball at Lewis, has been cleared to return to action after recovering from a foot injury. The clearance comes as the Clippers look to bolster their wing depth heading into the season. Strus’s return is notable for Lewis, highlighting the program’s ability to develop players who reach the NBA. His availability could influence the Clippers’ rotation and offers a tangible example of D‑II talent making an impact at the highest level.
- PRONov 6
Bennett Stirtz, who played Division II basketball at Northwest Missouri State from 2022 to 2024, delivered a career-best performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The former Hawkeye contributed significantly to the team's victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking a standout night in his professional career. This performance highlights the continued success of Division II players making their mark in the NBA. Stirtz's ability to perform at a high level off the bench underscores the depth of talent emerging from the DII pipeline. His recent form has made him a key contributor for the Thunder, demonstrating the value of his collegiate development.
- TRENDINGNov 6
Fort Valley State, a Division II program in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, upset Florida A&M in the Tigers' home opener. The victory over a Division I opponent showcases the depth of talent in DII and gives the Bulldogs early momentum heading into conference play. For Fort Valley State, the win serves as a confidence boost and a recruiting talking point. It also underscores the competitive gap that can narrow between divisions on any given night.
- PORTALNov 5
FOX Sports released a list of 25 transfers expected to impact the 2026-27 season, highlighting several Division II players moving to new programs. The compilation includes DII athletes seeking larger roles, as well as those heading to Division I schools, underscoring the fluidity of the transfer portal at the DII level. These moves can reshape rosters across conferences, affecting preseason rankings and competitive balance. Coaches will need to integrate the incoming talent quickly to maintain or improve their teams' standing.
King (TN)
Mars Hill
Carson-Newman
UVA Wise
Lincoln Memorial
Southern Wesleyan
Union (TN)
Emory & Henry
Lees-McRae
Mount Olive
Young Harris
Chowan
Emmanuel (GA)
Tusculum
Converse
Francis Marion
North Greenville
Erskine
Belmont Abbey
Shorter
Ferrum
UNC Pembroke
Barton