MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Dalton State edged out Life for the top spot in the 2025-26 SSAC Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Preseason Poll. 
 
Regular season competition begins Thursday, Oct. 23. The 2026 SSAC Men’s Basketball Championship takes place Feb. 25-28 at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The top 10 teams in the standings will qualify for the tournament. 
 
Dalton State claimed the SSAC Regular Season Championship last year, while Life picked up the tournament title.
 
Alex Ireland, Dalton State Head Coach: "While it feels great to be picked number one, we know that the final standings is the one that counts. We look forward to competing in what will once again be a deep, talented SSAC that will challenge us each and every night."
 
2025-26 SSAC Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Preseason Poll
1. Dalton State – 134 (5)
2. Life – 132 (4)
3. Mobile – 116 (1)
4. Faulkner – 102 (1)
5. William Carey – 94
6. UT Southern – 82
7. Loyola – 72
8. Thomas – 68 (1)
9. Blue Mountain Christian – 53
10. Brewton-Parker Christian – 43
11. Point – 21
12. Abraham Baldwin - 19