• Preseason Releases: Men, Women | Media Day Recap

The Western Illinois women's team was picked third while the men's squad was predicted ninth in the 2026-27 OVC Preseason Poll voted on by league head coaches and communications directors.

The predictions were released as part of the OVC Basketball Media Day powered by Centerpoint Energy, which was held on October 16.

The WIU teams will look to be one of eight teams in each gender to qualify for the 2027 OVC Basketball Championships, which will be played March 3-6 at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. For more information on the championship, click here.

BELOW VIDEOS
Head Men's Coach Chad Boudreau
Sophomore Forward Danny Stephens
Head Women's Coach JD Gravina
Junior Guard Kaylen Reed