As the calendars flip to 2026, we are now in conference play with matchups happening multiple times each week. Let’s take an updated look at our Conference USA Power Rankings. These are based on games played through December 30.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #105 (9-3, 1-0)
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After losing by 40 at NC State, the Flames have responded with three straight wins including two away from home. Liberty got the upset at Dayton, 64-61, to conclude non-conference play, and then went to Miami and knocked off the FIU Panthers in overtime. Now, the Flames return to Liberty Arena looking to remain atop the CUSA standings.
This week: 1/2 vs Kennesaw State, 1/4 vs Jacksonville State
2. Middle Tennessee #147 (7-5, 1-0)
no change
The Blue Raiders opened conference play with a one-point win at home over Kennesaw State on Dec. 17. MTSU also nearly upset Houston on Monday night before falling, 69-60. We should learn a lot about Coach McDevitt’s team this weekend when they host La Tech and Sam Houston.
This week: 1/2 vs Louisiana Tech, 1/4 vs Sam Houston
3. New Mexico State #130 (8-3, 1-0)
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The Aggies quickly rebounded from three straight losses with a win at home over Sam Houston to open conference play on Dec. 21 before concluding the non-league slate with a non-DI win over Southwest. NMSU hits the road this week looking as league play ramps up.
This week: 1/2 @ FIU, 1/4 @ Missouri State
4. Sam Houston #117 (8-4, 0-1)
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The Bearkats got a nice win at Oregon State earlier this month, as they complete the sweep of the Beavers in football and men’s basketball this year. Sam Houston did drop their opener in CUSA action at New Mexico State on Dec. 21, 87-78.
This week: 1/2 @ Western Kentucky, 1/4 @ Middle Tennessee
5. FIU #177 (7-5, 0-1)
no change
The Panthers had a chance to get off to a great start in conference play opening at home against the defending champs. FIU nearly got it done before falling by 3 in overtime. It does feel like this year’s FIU team is much improved and should be competitive throughout league play.
This week: 1/2 vs New Mexico State, 1/4 vs UTEP, 1/7 @ Jacksonville State
6. Louisiana Tech #173 (8-4, 1-0)
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After finishing non-conference play at 7-4, the Bulldogs defeated UTEP at home, 75-63, on Monday in their CUSA opener. Once again, it looks like head coach Talvin Hester has La Tech poised to compete in the top half of the league.
This week: 1/2 @ Middle Tennessee, 1/4 @ Western Kentucky
7. Kennesaw State #161 (8-4, 0-1)
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The Owls saw their four-game win streak come to an end when they opened conference play at Middle Tennessee on Dec. 17, falling by one. Kennesaw then concluded non-conference play on Dec. 21, losing to Alabama, 92-81. It’s a busy upcoming week for the Owls in league play beginning Friday night at Liberty, a place they won last year.
This week: 1/2 @ Liberty, 1/4 @ Delaware, 1/7 vs Missouri State
8. Missouri State #241 (7-5, 1-0)
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Missouri State dropped five of their first six Division I games this season, but they have since reeled off three straight with wins over Oral Roberts, Lindenwood, and Delaware. They won on the road in their CUSA opener between the league’s newcomers on Monday, defeating the Blue Hens, 61-43.
This week: 1/2 vs UTEP, 1/4 vs NMSU, 1/7 @ Kennesaw State
9. Jacksonville State #219 (6-6, 1-0)
no change
Jax State dropped six straight against DI opponents to fall to 4-6 earlier this season, but they may be figuring things out as conference play ramps up. The Gamecocks ended non-conference play with a nice road win against #132 East Tennessee State. They then opened CUSA play with an impressive win at home over WKU Monday night.
This week: 1/2 @ Delaware, 1/4 @ Liberty, 1/7 vs FIU
10. Western Kentucky #160 (7-5, 0-1)
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After starting the season 6-2, the Hilltoppers have dropped three of four with their only win coming against a non-Division I foe. Western Kentucky lost their CUSA opener on Monday night at Jacksonville State in a game that wasn’t all that competitive after the Gamecocks jumped out to a double digit lead early.
This week: 1/2 vs Sam Houston, 1/4 vs Louisiana Tech
11. UTEP #225 (4-8, 0-1)
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The Miners ended non-conference play with their first win over a Division I team this season in 8 tries by defeating North Dakota State, 76-66 before losing to Louisiana Tech on Monday night, 75-63.
This week: 1/2 @ Missouri State, 1/4 @ FIU
12. Delaware #296 (4-8, 0-1)
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In their first game in nearly two weeks, Delaware lost its initial CUSA game, falling at home to Missouri State, 61-43. The Blue Hens have one win over a team ranked in the top 290 of KenPom (at George Washington) this season, but have otherwise performed poorly in their first year in Conference USA.
This week: 1/2 vs Jacksonville State, 1/4 vs Kennesaw State
