The Atlantic 10 enters 2026-27 with VCU and Saint Louis as the clear top tier after sharing the regular-season title last year. Behind them Dayton is close, an da deeper middle that could produce a third NCAA Tournament bid for the first time in several seasons. Let’s take a look at the college basketball Atlantic 10 preview and bets.
College Basketball 2026-27: Atlantic 10 Preview, Odds, And Best Bets
Atlantic 10 Conference Preview
The A-10 has 14 teams. In 2025-26, VCU and Saint Louis tied for the regular-season crown, and both reached the NCAA Tournament. VCU is the two-time defending tournament champion under Phil Martelli Jr. Dayton finished in the upper half and advanced in the NIT. The league is viewed as one of the stronger mid-majors with improved resources and continuity at the top.
In the official preseason poll, VCU was just barely ahead of Saint Louis, followed by Dayton, George Mason, and George Washington. This conference looks deep and talented top-to-bottom, more so than in the past. It’s very possible they can return to three NCAA Tournament bids with VCU, Saint Louis, and one additional team.
Biggest Changes And Portal Impacts
VCU returns significant production this year after a strong Year 1 under Martelli Jr. that included a first-round NCAA win. They are returning around senior forward Lazard Djokovic and sophomore guard Nyk Lewis. They’ll miss Terrence Hill, who left for Tennessee, but added high-upside pieces. One of those pieces is Blake Harper, the former MEAC Player of the Year from Creighton.
Saint Louis returns core pieces, including Trey Green and Kellen Thames, while adding depth. One of the depth pieces added was Alon Michaeli from Colorado. The variable is Robbie Avila. He’s pursuing a fifth year via court action, but a decision hasn’t been made. If he plays most of the year, Saint Louis would become the favorite.
Dayton had more turnover and has nine newcomers, but retains L’Etang, and they have high expectations for the year. George Mason, George Washington, and Saint Joseph’s added some solid portal pieces as well as returning some good players.
Odds to Win The Atlantic 10 Championship
VCU +175
Saint Louis +188
Dayton +460
George Washington +1150
George Mason +1550
Fordham +2800
Davidson +4400
Saint Joseph’s +4600
Richmond +5000
Rhode Island +5300
Duquesne +5400
Saint Bonaventure +6400
Loyola Chicago +10000
La Salle +24000
Atlantic 10 Best Bets
The betting markets are slimmer for the Atlantic 10 conference. However, there are a few I like.
VCU To Win The Conference (+175)
VCU not only has tournament momentum, but they retained a lot of their contributing pieces. Entering the second year under Martelli Jr., we can expect some more continuity and comfort. They’re currently the favorites, but we’re still getting plus money on a team that has already proven they can do it.
George Mason To Win The Conference (+1550)
There’s a reason the preseason poll picked George Mason fourth. Under Tony Skinn, they have three straight 20-win seasons, a strong defensive identity, and consecutive NIT appearances. Last year, a late injury to Brayden O’Connor contributed to a downfall after a hot start. He’s back this year and healthy.
They added some nice pieces in the portal, including Eijah Jones from UTEP, Makhai Valentine from Northern Illinois, and Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor from Butler. They have improved size and depth. If any team is going to rise from the middle to the top, I think it could be George Mason.
