Conference play is nearly here in the Big Sky, and while the league lacks a true national contender by NET standards, the middle of the conference remains competitive and volatile. No Big Sky team currently sits inside the top 100 of the NET rankings, but most are comfortably inside the top 300, giving the league more depth than several other one-bid conferences.
With schedules tightening and familiarity becoming a factor, here is our most up-to-date look at the Big Sky power rankings.
10. Eastern Washington Eagles (2-9, NET: 280)
Eastern Washington has struggled mightily out of the gate. The Eagles’ two wins have come against Eastern Oregon, a non-Division I opponent, and Kansas City, one of the nation’s weakest teams. While Eastern Washington is scoring a respectable 77.5 points per game, defensive issues have plagued them, allowing more than 83 points per contest. The road does not get easier, with trips to Utah and BYU remaining before Big Sky play opens January 3 at Idaho.
9. Sacramento State Hornets (4-6, NET: 272)
Sacramento State’s record is buoyed by wins over non-Division I competition, with only one Division I victory coming by two points against Presbyterian. The Hornets are coming off a loss at Baylor in which they surrendered 110 points, highlighting ongoing defensive concerns. A long road stretch awaits, including non-conference games at Cal Baptist and CSU Northridge before opening league play with road trips to Idaho State, Weber State, and Portland State.
8. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (4-6, NET: 261)
Northern Arizona enters the weekend ranked 261st in the NET after a recent win over Southern Utah. Zack Davidson continues to lead the way offensively at over 16 points per game. Additional wins have come against SE Missouri, Cal Poly, Embry-Riddle (AZ), and Justice. After a road game at Incarnate Word, the Lumberjacks close non-conference play before opening Big Sky action at Montana on New Year’s Day.
7. Montana Grizzlies (6-6, NET: 228)
Montana’s inconsistency has been glaring. The Grizzlies are coming off a damaging loss to Montana Tech, which followed back-to-back wins over North Dakota and a non-Division I opponent. Money Williams has been outstanding, averaging close to 30 points per game, but help has been limited. A difficult road trip to Louisville looms before conference play begins against Northern Arizona on January 1.
6. Montana State Bobcats (5-7, NET: 156)
Montana State has had trouble stringing together results, most recently falling on the road at Oregon State. Their best win came at home against St. Thomas, a solid non-conference victory. The Bobcats host Northwest University to close non-conference play, but the real test comes immediately after, as they open Big Sky play at home against preseason favorite Northern Colorado.
5. Weber State Wildcats (5-6, NET: 176)
Weber State has shown flashes but remains inconsistent. The Wildcats picked up a road win at Kansas City but were soundly beaten at Utah Valley shortly after. Their five wins include two against Kansas City, along with victories over Oral Roberts, Campbell, and a non-Division I opponent. Weber State hosts Utah Tech and Lincoln (CA) before opening conference play at home against Portland State on New Year’s Day.
4. Idaho State Bengals (7-5, NET: 112)
Idaho State sits near the top of the league by NET ranking despite recent setbacks. A road loss at Utah Valley snapped a three-game winning streak that included victories over CSU Northridge, Kansas City, and Denver. The highlight of the season remains an early road win at San Diego. The Bengals will look to stabilize with a home game against UC Davis before conference play begins.
3. Portland State Vikings (6-4, NET: 182)
Portland State has faced a demanding schedule, with losses at Stanford, San Francisco, and Colorado, as well as home setbacks against Omaha. Jaylin Henderson leads the offense at 17.6 points per game, and the Vikings are averaging more than 82 points per contest. A road game at Tulane wraps up non-conference play before a difficult conference opener at Weber State on New Year’s Day.
2. Idaho Vandals (7-4, NET: 132)
Idaho has been competitive against quality opponents, highlighted by a season-opening road win at Washington State. A recent loss at Notre Dame snapped a two-game winning streak, but the Vandals remain firmly in the league’s upper tier. Road games at Cal Poly and Bakersfield remain before Big Sky play opens January 3 at Eastern Washington.
1. Northern Colorado Bears (9-2, NET: 104)
Northern Colorado sits atop the Big Sky entering conference play and has looked the part of a league favorite. After an early loss to St. Thomas, the Bears won six straight games with victories over Air Force, Omaha, and South Dakota. A recent loss at Texas Tech, despite allowing 101 points, was far from discouraging in a 101–90 final. Northern Colorado closes non-conference play against Denver at home and Colorado on the road before opening league action at Montana State on January 1.
Wild, Wild, West
The Big Sky may not feature a national powerhouse, but the league is balanced, competitive, and primed for movement once conference play begins. Northern Colorado enters as the clear favorite, but the margin between teams in the middle of the standings is thin. Expect these power rankings to shift frequently as familiarity, travel, and league play begin to take their toll during the 2025–26 season.