DALTON, Ga. – Dalton State enters the 2025–26 SSAC Men's Basketball season as the team to beat, earning the top spot in the coaches' preseason poll.
 
The Roadrunners are coming off an impressive 2024–25 campaign where they claimed the SSAC Regular Season Championship. They look to build upon that success this season with a deep run in the NAIA Tournament.
 
"While it feels great to be picked number one, we know that the final standings are what count," Head Coach Alex Ireland said. "We look forward to competing in what will once again be a deep, talented SSAC that will challenge us each and every night."
 
Regular season play tips off Monday, Oct. 27 at Bandy Gym with the Roadrunners taking on Oakwood (Ala.) at 7:00 p.m. The 2025 SSAC Men's Basketball Championship will be held Feb. 25–28 at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The top 10 teams in the standings will qualify for the tournament.
 
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 – 43
11. Point – 21
12. Abraham Baldwin – 19

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FIND NEWS AND FOLLOW THE BIRDS: News and updates from Dalton State's men's basketball team is posted on dsroadrunners.com and on X (@DStateBBall), Facebook (@DStateBasketball) and Instagram (dstatebball). Be sure to follow to keep pace with the Birds!
 
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