The Western Athletic Conference appears firmly positioned as a one-bid league as conference play approaches for the 2025–26 season. The bigger question is not how many teams will reach March Madness, but which team will emerge from what has been a competitive and intriguing start to the year.
Several WAC programs have posted strong non-conference records, creating real separation at the top of the league. With conference play set to begin later this month, these power rankings reflect where each team stands right now based on performance, resume, and momentum.
1. California Baptist Lancers (8–3)
California Baptist opened the season on a seven-game winning streak before running into a difficult road stretch with losses at Colorado, BYU, and Utah. The Lancers responded well by returning home and defeating Eastern Washington.
Dominique Daniels Jr. has been the engine of the offense, averaging more than 20 points per game and giving California Baptist one of the league’s most dangerous scorers. The Lancers finish non-conference play with home games against Southern and Sacramento State before opening WAC play at Utah Valley on December 29 in what could be an early statement game.
2. Utah Valley Wolverines (8–3)
Utah Valley has been one of the more enjoyable teams to watch in the conference, winning eight of its first 11 games. The Wolverines enter conference play riding a three-game winning streak, highlighted by a weekend victory over UC Santa Barbara.
Their three losses have come against quality opponents in Boise State, Fresno State, and San Diego State. Jackson Holcombe leads the team at over 16 points per game. Utah Valley hosts Weber State and Bethesda before the highly anticipated matchup with California Baptist to open WAC play.
3. Tarleton State Texans (7–4)
Billy Gillespie’s Texans believe they are a legitimate WAC contender, and recent results support that confidence. After consecutive losses to SMU and LSU, Tarleton State has stabilized, with its only loss over the last eight games coming at Baylor by 13 points.
Freddy Hicks leads the team with 12.3 points per game while also contributing three assists per contest. Tarleton State travels to Mississippi Valley State before hosting Florida A&M, then opens conference play on the road against UT Arlington on December 29.
4. UT Arlington Mavericks (7–3)
UT Arlington enters the final stretch of non-conference play at 7–3 after an eight-point win over UT Rio Grande Valley. The Mavericks face a challenging road test at Stanford and still have a trip to Oral Roberts ahead before league play begins.
Losses to Arkansas State, Campbell, and New Mexico have limited their résumé compared to the top of the league, but Raysean Seamster has been productive, averaging 15.9 points per game.
5. Abilene Christian Wildcats (7–3)
Abilene Christian has quietly put together a strong start despite some early setbacks. Losses at Stephen F. Austin and Texas State, along with a home defeat to William and Mary, slowed momentum briefly.
The Wildcats have since rebounded with notable wins, including back-to-back victories at Pepperdine and at home against New Mexico State. Bradyn Hubbard leads the team at 16.4 points per game. A demanding stretch awaits with road games at Arizona and BYU before opening WAC play on New Year’s Day against Utah Tech.
6. Utah Tech Trail Blazers (6–6)
Utah Tech evened its record at 6–6 with a win over Hustice and will have time to regroup before hosting Weber State. A road trip to Creighton looms on December 22, followed by a home game against Southern Utah to close non-conference play.
Ethan Potter leads the Trail Blazers with 16.5 points per game. The season-opening road win at South Dakota remains their most impressive result, along with a solid home victory over UC Riverside.
7. Southern Utah Thunderbirds (4–7)
Southern Utah has struggled to gain traction this season, with only one Division I win coming in a narrow victory over Stetson. The Thunderbirds have also endured several lopsided losses, including a 72-point defeat at Gonzaga.
The schedule does not get easier, with upcoming road games at Washington and Northern Arizona before opening conference play at Utah Tech on December 29.
Start of Conference Action
WAC play officially begins on Monday, December 29, with several key matchups on the opening slate. California Baptist visits Utah Valley, Tarleton State faces UT Arlington, and Southern Utah travels to Utah Tech.
With conference play about to begin, the race for the WAC’s lone NCAA Tournament bid is officially on. Enjoy the hoops as the landscape continues to evolve.