Fairmont State Basketball Programs Earn National Preseason Rankings Ahead of 2025-26 Season
The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced recently that Fairmont State University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will begin the 2025-26 season nationally ranked in their respective Division II Coaches Preseason Polls.
“These national rankings are a point of pride for our entire university community,” said Fairmont State President Mike Davis. “They showcase the dedication, talent, and leadership within our athletics department and reflect the broader excellence we strive for across campus. We’ve got the best coaching staff in Division II and are excited to cheer on the Falcons this season.”
The men’s basketball team enters this season ranked No. 1 in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) Preseason and No. 5 nationally in the NABC/Division II Coaches Preseason Poll. The Falcons are coming off a stellar 27-5 campaign, capped by a dramatic triple-overtime victory over West Liberty to claim the MEC Tournament Championship. In addition to these recent notable achievements, last season Fairmont State also earned a berth in the NCAA Atlantic Regional.
Fairmont State’s men’s basketball is one of two MEC programs ranked in the preseason top 25, with West Liberty debuting at No. 11. Overall, 63 schools from 23 Division II conferences received votes in the poll. The Falcons will open the 2025-26 season on November 14, hosting Bloomsburg University in the Joe Retton Arena.
The women’s basketball team will begin the season ranked No. 1 in the MEC Preseason Poll and No. 16 nationally in the WBCA/Division II Coaches Preseason Poll. The Falcons are coming off a dominant 27-5 season—which includes a 17-3 record against MEC teams—sweeping both the regular season and tournament championships. During the MEC Tournament, Fairmont State won three games in three days, defeating opponents by an average of 19.3 points per game.
The Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Stephanie Anderson, was honored as the MEC Coach of the Year and the overall MEC Women’s Sports Coach of the Year. Star guard Leslie Huffman returns this season after a decorated season in which she earned multiple accolades, including MEC Player of the Year, D2CCA Atlantic Region Player of the Year, D2CCA and WBCA All-American honors, MEC Tournament MVP, and MEC Female Athlete of the Year.
The women’s team will open its season on November 14 in Athens, WV, facing Lock Haven University.
Director of Athletics Greg Bamberger praised both programs for their continued excellence:
“To have both our men’s and women’s basketball teams nationally ranked heading into the season is a testament to the hard work of our student athletes and coaches. These rankings reflect the strength of our programs and the culture of success we’ve built at Fairmont State.”
With both teams poised for another exciting season, the Falcons are ready to build on last year’s success and continue making their mark on the national stage. Both men’s and women’s basketball season schedules can be viewed at www.fightingfalcons.com.
