Montana and Northern Colorado tied at the top of the Big Sky Conference last year. The first-place split ended a two-year run by Eastern Washington for the regular-season crown in the Big Sky. The conference appears ready for a shake-up at the top. A lot of the traditional powers are rebuilding or in transition.
Montana returns only one starter, but it’s Player of the Year candidate Money Williams. Montana could make another run, but Williams will need some help. Both Idaho and Idaho State look improved on paper, and there are a few other chippy teams to consider. We’ve gone through the rosters, and there’s one team that you’ll want to make sure you lock up before the season tips off.
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2025-26 Big Sky Basketball Conference Champion Best Bet
Portland State to win the Big Sky Conference
Portland State returns three starters from last season. They should all play a huge role in the Vikings’ 2025-26 campaign.
Senior guard Jaylin Henderson and senior forward Terri Miller, Jr. both transferred from Louisiana Tech to Portland State last year. The duo finished first and second on the team in scoring. They are expected to do more in their second season with the Vikings.
Henderson and Miller are the heart of the Portland State roster, but the Vikings also return graduate senior center Tre-Vaughn Minott. Minott won Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year last year. He requested a waiver to return to Portland State for another season. It was recently granted, and he’s expected to anchor the Vikings’ defense for one more season.
The Vikings added a pair of bigs to the roster through the transfer portal, so depth isn’t a concern. Sophomore Kean Webb comes in from San Diego, and Charles Chukwu transfers in from Little Rock.
Graduate transfer Brycen Long comes in from Arizona State. The 6’2″ guard profiles as a sharp shooter. He shot 39.5% from deep during his three seasons with Houston Christian.
Kenyon Kensie, Jr., missed most of last season with an injury after transferring to Portland State from San Diego. Kensie brings athleticism and length to the Vikings and should be fully healthy for the start of the season.
Portland State has only four true freshmen on its roster, and only one is a scholarship player. The roster is deep, experienced, and talented.
The Vikings finished third in the Big Sky Conference last year. Portland State appears ready to make a jump to the top of the conference. Given the quality in the starting lineup and the depth on the bench, they appear poised for a fantastic season in Portland. Make sure you lock up the Vikings to win the conference this year. This play could be a parlay piece to match with some of the chalkier favorites in the nation.
The College Basketball Experience
For more analysis on every college basketball game for the 2025-26 season, make sure you tune into The College Basketball Experience. Colby Dant, Moneyline Mac, and Noah Bieniek talk about each game on the entire slate. Listen for input on ATS and moneyline college basketball picks every night!
