The Big South Conference has just unveiled its 2025-26 preseason basketball rankings, and let’s just say, the stakes are higher than ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: Charleston Southern University (CSU) finds itself in a position that’s sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. The men’s team is projected to finish seventh in the nine-team league, while the women’s team is slotted in fifth—rankings that have left many scratching their heads. And this is the part most people miss: despite these placements, both teams have standout players who could be game-changers this season.
The preseason media day, held on Wednesday, not only revealed the rankings but also highlighted the all-conference teams. For CSU, guard A’lahn Sumler earned a second-team preseason all-conference spot for the men, while guard Tyonna Bailey secured the same honor for the women. Sumler, who missed last season due to injury, averaged nearly 14 points per game two seasons ago, making his return a potential turning point for the men’s team. Bailey, on the other hand, averaged 8.9 points per game last season and is widely regarded as one of the Big South’s top defenders—a dual threat that could elevate the women’s squad.
Here’s the bold truth: CSU’s men’s team is rebuilding from the ground up. After finishing last season with a 10-22 overall record (6-12 in Big South play), head coach Saah Nimley has just three returning players. The rest of the roster? A mix of Division II, NAIA, and junior college recruits. But here’s the twist: Nimley isn’t just confident—he’s excited. ‘I am very excited to see this team play against other teams,’ he said, hinting at a potential underdog story in the making.
The women’s team, meanwhile, is navigating its own challenges. Coach Clarisse White lost her top two scorers from last season’s 14-16 record, but with Bailey leading the charge, there’s reason for optimism. The question is: can they defy the odds and climb higher than their fifth-place ranking?
Both CSU teams kick off their seasons on November 3 with tough road games. The men head to Virginia Tech, while the women travel to Jacksonville. These matchups will be early tests of their preseason potential.
High Point University dominated the preseason predictions, favored to win both the men’s and women’s championships. Nevaeh Zavala of High Point was named the women’s preseason player of the year, while Toyaz Solomon of UNC Asheville took the men’s title. But with CSU’s Sumler and Bailey in the mix, don’t count out the Buccaneers just yet.
Here’s the full breakdown of the rankings:
Men’s Basketball
1. High Point
2. UNC Asheville
3. Longwood
4. Radford
5. Winthrop
6. Presbyterian
7. Charleston Southern
8. Gardner-Webb
9. USC Upstate
Women’s Basketball
1. High Point
2. Longwood
3. Radford
4. Winthrop
5. Charleston Southern
6. USC Upstate
7. Gardner-Webb
8. Presbyterian
9. UNC Asheville
Controversy Alert: Are CSU’s rankings fair, or are they being underestimated? With Sumler’s return and Bailey’s leadership, could they surprise everyone this season? Let’s spark a debate—do you think CSU has what it takes to outperform these predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
