Conference Preview #7 - Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10)

 

7. Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10)

2026–27 Preseason Conference Preview

The Atlantic 10 enters the 2026–27 season ranked seventh nationally in the preseason KenPom conference ratings. With an average adjusted efficiency margin of +5.45, the A-10 continues to establish itself as one of the strongest conferences outside the traditional power leagues and enters the season with legitimate hopes of earning multiple NCAA Tournament bids.

VCU and Saint Louis lead the way in the initial OCMM bracket projection, giving the conference two projected NCAA Tournament teams. VCU earns a No. 10 seed, while Saint Louis checks in as a No. 12 seed. Both programs have the opportunity to build strong postseason résumés, although the competition throughout the conference should make the regular-season race interesting.

Dayton is another team to keep a close eye on, as the Flyers enter the season just outside the initial OCMM tournament field. With a strong tradition of competing near the top of the Atlantic 10, Dayton could challenge VCU and Saint Louis for conference supremacy and emerge as another legitimate at-large contender.

The biggest question for the Atlantic 10 is whether it can consistently produce multiple at-large contenders. The expanded 76-team NCAA Tournament creates additional opportunities for leagues like the A-10, but nonconference success will be critical. With several competitive programs capable of challenging the favorites, the conference has an opportunity to improve its national standing and potentially exceed its initial two-bid projection.

OCMM Outlook: The Atlantic 10 opens the season as the nation's seventh-ranked conference, with VCU and Saint Louis projected into the NCAA Tournament. Dayton is not far behind and could push the conference's total to three bids if the Flyers build a strong enough résumé throughout the season.