APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University men's basketball team has been picked to finish third in the Midwest Conference in the 2026-27 preseason coaches' poll.

The Vikings received 59 points in the poll, placing them behind defending conference power Grinnell College, which topped the rankings with 80 points and eight first-place votes, and Monmouth College, which finished second with 74 points and two first-place votes.

Lawrence enters the new season looking to build on a strong 2025-26 campaign. The Vikings finished with a 14-11 overall record, marking the program's first winning season since 2013-14 under head coach Casey Korn.

The third-place selection reflects the progress made by the Vikings and sets the stage for another opportunity to compete near the top of the conference standings. Lawrence will look to carry last season's momentum into the new campaign as it continues to build under Korn.

Illinois College finished fourth in the preseason poll with 57 points, followed by Lake Forest College with 50. Luther College (34), Cornell College (32), Knox College (28), Ripon College (21) and Beloit College (15) rounded out the rankings.

Lawrence opens the 2026-27 campaign at home this Saturday, November 7, when the Vikings welcome St. Norbert College to Alexander Gymnasium for a 7 p.m. tipoff.