We break down the SoCon's Top 10 Storylines, separating early trends from final conclusions as the league will turn their attention to conference play soon!

In This Episode:

• SoCon Frontrunners: ETSU's defensive dominance and Mercer's high-scoring backcourt (led by Baraka Okojie) are signaling championship trajectories.
• Freshman Phenom: Why Alex Wilkins (Furman) is playing like a seasoned star and Kevin Giltner (Wofford) is the early frontrunner for Coach of the Year.
• The Crisis: The biggest mystery—Rickey Bradley Jr.'s undisclosed injury (VMI). Plus, analyzing UNCG's surprising defensive struggles and The Citadel's historic losing skid.
• League-Wide Concern: Why the SoCon NET ranking dipping to No. 21 impacts NCAA Tournament seeding and the chances of a second bid.
• Barometer Week: A look at the final key non-conference tests for Mercer, ETSU, and Chattanooga.

What storyline is missing?

Presented by Ingles Markets

We examine the SoCon's most surprising early-season moments!

What We Cover:

• Triple-Double History: Celebrating Brian Taylor II's rare historic feat for ETSU as the Bucs look like the team to beat (6-1).
• Freshman ASCENT: Why Alex Wilkins (Furman) and Brian Sumpter (Wofford) are leading the charge for freshman talent in the league.
• Top Performers: Breaking down Baraka Okojie's stat-stuffing dominance (Mercer) and Kahmare Holmes' consistent scoring tear (Wofford).
• The Jigsaw Puzzle: Analyzing the slow starts of expected contenders Chattanooga and UNCG, and the six-game skid for VMI without Rickey Bradley Jr.
• Barometer Games: Previewing some crucial tests that will determine the final non-conference records before SoCon play begins.

Which teams have the pieces to the puzzle?

Presented by Ingles Markets

Time to talk Feast Week and the state of the SoCon with national analyst Rocco Miller (Bracketeer.org)!

In This Episode:

• Mid-Major Crisis: Rocco details how NCAA Tournament expansion and biased NET rankings hurt quality SoCon teams like Furman from getting at-large bids and valuable Quad 1/2 games.
• SoCon Standouts: Wofford's surprising start under Kevin Giltner. TJ Johnson (VMI) leads in scoring. Jadin Booth and Keaton Norris form Samford's explosive backcourt.
• Contender Check: Why early struggles for favorites like Furman and Chattanooga are temporary, and what UNCG's first win tells us about their defense.
• Scheduling Insight: We discuss the SoCon/ASUN Challenge and why Rocco applauds the SoCon's 10-year commitment to the Asheville Tournament.

What will we see in Feast Week?

Presented by Ingles Markets

In the early weeks of SoCon non-conference action, we analyze the early risers, surprise starts across the league, and dive into the SoCon/ASUN Challenge.

In This Episode:

• Wofford Miracle: How new coach Kevin Giltner stabilized the Terriers for a competitive start, despite the coaching chaos.
• Star Performers: TJ Johnson (VMI) is a top scorer in the nation. Jadin Booth and Keaton Norris (Samford) form one of the league's most explosive backcourts.
• The Struggle: Why Furman and Chattanooga are off to uncharacteristic slow starts, and which Mid-Major teams like Mercer are making the leap.
• Ingles Exclusive: Melissa Leavell (Ingles Markets) discusses the Ingles SoCon Tournament partnership and fan engagement.

Who will continue to rise?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The Chattanooga Mocs are the preseason favorite after their historic 29-win season and NIT Championship. Coach Dan Earl must replace an entire All-SoCon backcourt.

In This Episode:

• The Challenge: Replacing over 2,000 points (Huff/Bonham) and translating a fully overhauled roster into championship success, as voted by the Preseason Coaches Poll.
• The New Core: Colin Mohalland ("The Big Maple") is the new frontcourt leader after his NIT breakout.
• Backcourt Reload: Analyzing the high-impact transfers like Jakari Johnson and Billy Smith that fit Coach Earl's efficient, motion-based system.
• Prediction: We set the floor at No. 2 or No. 3 seed and project the ceiling to be SoCon Regular Season and Tournament Champions, making them a dangerous NCAA Tournament opponent.

How will the Mocs respond as the hunted?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The Furman Paladins are fueled by the sting of their SoCon Championship loss. Coach Bob Richey is rebuilding the backcourt by leaning on the potential best frontcourt in the league.

In This Episode:

• The Overhaul: Furman replaces 54% of its scoring (PJay Smith & Nick Anderson), relying on Richey's mastery of player development and the "work while you wait" culture.
• Frontcourt Power: Cooper Bowser (DPOY candidate) and Charles Johnston anchor the interior, creating a powerful inside-out offense.
• Freshman Star: Meet Alex Wilkins, the freshman floor general with the "it factor" who is set to be a star in the Southern Conference.
• Prediction: We discuss why the floor is a No. 3 seed and the ceiling is SoCon Champions and an NCAA Tournament threat. Plus, the impact of the new Timmons Arena.

Will last year's loss in the SoCon title game provide fuel for the Paladins?

Presented by Ingles Markets

"Bucky Ball" is done! Samford brought in Hall of Fame Coach Lennie Acuff to lead a massive roster overhaul and challenge for the SoCon title immediately.

In This Episode:

• Coaching Shift: Acuff replaces Bucky McMillan, bringing a disciplined, Princeton-style offense to Homewood and relying on his extensive Alabama ties.
• The New Core: Analyzing the explosive impact expected from Jadin Booth (DII All-American shooter) and Dylan Faulkner (Preseason All-SoCon forward/Acuff transfer).
• System Integration: Can Acuff quickly mesh his new players and shift the team's tempo to maintain the elite offensive efficiency the program is known for?
• Prediction: We set the floor at 5th and the ceiling at contending for the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the SoCon standings, thanks to Acuff's winning pedigree.

How quickly can Samford be a contender?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The ETSU Buccaneers are facing a massive void after losing SoCon Player of the Year, Quimari Peterson. Coach Brook Savage brought in 10 transfers to uphold the defensive culture.

In This Episode:

• The Challenge: Replacing the team's top four scorers and maintaining defensive identity while finding offensive efficiency.
• Targeted Reload: Analyzing the key impact transfers like floor general Jaylen Smith (Preseason All-SoCon), elite volume shooter Milton Matthews III, Brian Taylor II, and Cam Morris III.
• The Culture: Why the Freedom Hall atmosphere and a travel-friendly schedule give this new roster a chance to contend immediately.
• Prediction: We set the floor at 7th and the ceiling at contending for the No. 1 or No. 2 seed going into the SoCon Tournament in Asheville.

How quickly can ETSU gel?

Presented by Ingles Markets