In conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball media day with Field of 68, the MVC has released its preseason favorites.  Illinois State has been tabbed as the 2025-26 preseason choice for The Valley.  ISU was last picked to win the men's basketball title in 2001-02.  It marks the fifth time the Redbirds have been preseason favorites (on record) – the MVC preseason poll history dates back to 1985-86.

The Conference will conduct additional media Q&A sessions with head men's basketball coaches on Oct. 20-21.