BUENA VISTA, VA. – The USA South Athletic Conference released its 2026-27 Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, with Southern Virginia University selected to finish fifth in the conference.

The Knights finished third in the USA South standings last season with a 10-4 conference record before falling to eventual conference champion North Carolina Wesleyan University in the tournament semifinals. The Battling Bishops claimed the top spot in this year's preseason poll with 49 points and seven of the eight possible first-place votes. North Carolina Wesleyan also captured its sixth USA South Tournament championship last winter.

Southern Virginia enters its sixth season in the USA South with an all-time conference record of 35-35. The Knights return eight players from last year's squad while welcoming 13 newcomers who will look to make an immediate impact.

Southern Virginia opens its season on Thursday, Nov. 5, traveling to face the University of Richmond in an exhibition matchup as the Knights prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

For all the latest updates on Southern Virginia University men's basketball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mbb on Instagram.