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Mid-Major Top 25

12-4Elo
1Princeton8-01,648
2James Madison8-01,481
3Grand Canyon6-11,499
4Drake7-11,652
5Louisiana Tech6-21,342
6Liberty6-21,538
7UC Irvine6-31,467
8Indiana State7-11,502
9Cornell7-11,378
10UNC Greensboro6-11,436
11Appalachian State6-21,323
12Yale5-41,477
13McNeese State7-21,061
14Bradley6-21,553
15Weber State4-21,309
16Vermont7-21,507
17Akron4-31,483
18Hofstra5-21,470
19Stephen F. Austin5-31,402
20Samford7-21,387
21Southern Illinois5-21,461
22Drexel5-31,304
23Hawaii6-11,379
24Missouri State6-21,475
25Kent State5-31,539
UNC Wilmington6-21,451
Western Carolina6-11,254
Ohio5-21,408
Illinois-Chicago5-31,203

Here at TRN, we define a mid-major and eligibility in these rankings as anyone, not in a top 10 Major Conference. There have been pretty distinct tiers in recent years developed both in money and average NET finish.

It’s very clearly reflected in the average of the last 5 years of NET Rankings where the divides are.

Power

NET
5 Year
Avg
Finish
1Big Ten1.8
1Big 121.8
3SEC3.2
4Big East3.4
5ACC5.6
6Pac-125.8

Major

NET
5 Year
Avg
Finish
7American Athletic7.2
8West Coast8.6
9Mountain West9.4
10Atlantic 109.6

Mid-Major

NET
5 Year
Avg
Finish
11Missouri Valley12.4
12Conference USA13
13Southern14.2
14Ivy League14.6
15Mid-American15
17Sun Belt16
18Colonial Athletic18.2
19Western Athletic18.6
20Big West18.8
21Patriot League21.6

Power 6: Big 12, SEC, ACC, Big East, Big 10, Pac 12

Major: AAC, WCC, Atlantic 10, MWC

Mid Major: led by CUSA, MVC, CAA, WAC, MAAC, Big West, Sun Belt, SoCon, Horizon, MAC

There is a Low Major tier, but for our purposes, they will be included in these rankings.

2023-24 Preview and Predictions

Mid-Major 2023-2024 Player and Team Rankings

College basketball has always held a special charm in the world of college sports. With the thrill of the NCAA tournament looming each season, it’s not just the high majors that steal the show. The mid majors, those teams that often bubble under the surface, have consistently demonstrated they’re not to be underestimated.

Last season, San Diego State, a mid major team from the Mountain West, broke records and expectations alike. Guided by their head coach now in his fifth season, they defied odds to reach the second round of the NCAA tournament, outlasting many high majors in the process. Their remarkable journey became a testament to the sheer grit and talent found in mid major programs.

Another surprise came from a Conference USA team, who, in only their third season under a new coaching regime, earned an at-large bid to the tournament. Their conference champion title, earned after a grueling season, etched a significant mark in their program history. Their first team forward, averaging an impressive 20 points per game, bagged both the ‘Player of the Year honors’ and ‘Player of the Year award’, drawing the spotlight in a league typically dominated by bigger names.

However, the success stories weren’t limited to just these teams. Missouri Valley’s standout mid major program, in its fifth season under a dedicated coaching team, emerged as a force to be reckoned with, pushing through to the first round of the NCAA tourney. Their success was particularly notable given the challenges posed by the transfer portal, which has seen a flux of players moving across college basketball in search of opportunities.

Yet, while the glitz of the NCAA tournament shines bright, it’s essential to recognize the consistent performance throughout the season by these mid major schools. Teams that may not have the grandeur or reputation of some of the bigger names but play with heart, skill, and determination.

In conclusion, college basketball’s landscape is ever-evolving, and while high majors often grab the headlines, the prowess and potential of mid major teams and programs shouldn’t be overlooked. As we approach the upcoming season, the question remains: which mid major will rise, defy expectations, and etch its name in the annals of college sports history?