SEMO Men's Basketball Lands Second in OVC Preseason Rankings – But Can They Overthrow the Favorite?
The Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) Redhawks have been projected as the second-best team in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) for the upcoming 2025-26 season, according to the league's preseason poll announced at Tuesday's media day in Evansville, Indiana. This marks just the third time in program history that SEMO has earned such high preseason recognition—a testament to their rising momentum. But here’s the catch: Little Rock, the team SEMO defeated in last year’s OVC Tournament semifinals, is this year’s preseason favorite. Can the Redhawks flip the script?
Breaking Down the Poll Results
Little Rock topped the rankings with 188 points and 12 first-place votes, while SEMO trailed closely behind with 177 points and six first-place nods. The Redhawks’ strong showing reflects their historic 2024-25 campaign, where they claimed their first outright OVC regular-season title with a 15-5 conference record and a 21-12 overall mark. That performance also secured them a double bye in the conference tournament—a strategic advantage they’ll aim to replicate.
SIU Edwardsville (163 points), Tennessee State (135 points), and a tie between Lindenwood and Morehead State (100 points each) round out the top six. Meanwhile, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin, Southern Indiana, Eastern Illinois, and Western Illinois occupy the lower half of the standings.
Key Players to Watch
SEMO’s success hinges on its returning talent, including senior forward Brendan Terry, an All-OVC Second-Team selection. Terry averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season, proving to be a consistent scorer with double-digit outings in 18 of his 33 starts. But here’s where it gets interesting: guards Braxton Stacker and BJ Ward are also poised for breakout seasons. Stacker, a versatile contributor, averaged 8.9 points and 3.1 rebounds off the bench, while Ward drained 51 three-pointers and dished out 74 assists, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Controversial Take: Is Little Rock Overrated?
Despite Little Rock’s top billing, some might argue SEMO has the edge. After all, the Redhawks eliminated the Trojans in last year’s tournament and return a core of proven winners. Could the preseason poll be underestimating SEMO’s championship potential? Or does Little Rock’s depth truly make them the team to beat? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Season Opener & Full Preseason Poll
SEMO tips off its season on November 3rd with a non-conference showdown at Saint Louis. Below is the complete 2025-26 OVC Preseason Poll:
- Little Rock (12 first-place votes), 188 points
- Southeast Missouri (6), 177
- SIU Edwardsville (1), 163
- Tennessee State (1), 135
- Lindenwood, 100
- Morehead State, 100
- Tennessee Tech, 80
- UT Martin, 79
- Southern Indiana (2), 67
- Eastern Illinois, 63
- Western Illinois, 57
Returning All-OVC Players
- Jadis Jones, G, So. – Lindenwood
- Johnathan Lawson, G, R-Sr. – Little Rock
- Tuongthach Gatkek, F, Grad. – Little Rock
- Brendan Terry, F, Sr. – Southeast Missouri
- Aaron Nkrumah, G, Sr. – Tennessee State
Men’s Players to Watch
(Note: This section highlights standout players from each team, including SEMO’s Ward and Stacker, as well as key competitors like Little Rock’s Kachi Nzeh and Tennessee State’s Khalil London. Full list omitted for brevity—refer to original for details.)
Final Thought
SEMO’s second-place ranking is a sign of respect, but the real question is whether they can exceed expectations. With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Redhawks are a legitimate title contender. Will they prove the doubters wrong? Drop your predictions below!
