MCKENZIE, Tenn. -The Bethel University Wildcats finished strong in March last year. Bethel went 19–13 overall and 3–9 in the Mid-South Conference, then defeated Georgetown 82–74 and Cumberlands 80–76 to reach the MSC Tournament championship game. The Cats fell 72–64 to Freed-Hardeman, then closed their season with a 73–65 loss at Langston in the NAIA National Tournament.
Bethel will play 17 non-conference opponents and one exhibition game against Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky on December 28^th, before opening Mid-South Conference play on January 7th on the road against Georgetown. Conference play will consist of 12 games spanning from January 7th to February 20th.
The Wildcats will return most of their key players from last season's team with the addition of five new faces and a red shirt returner. The returning back court looks to step up and pick up where they left off last season and continue a push for the conference championship and another national tournament berth after losing two senior guards. The front court returns some key forward players who helped make that push to the conference tournament championship and first round appearance in the national tournament.
Several experienced players return:

Player	2025–26 production
Ethan Turner	10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game; 31 starts
Brayden Nunnally	7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds; 40.0% from three-point range; 31 starts
Isaiah Darden	5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds; team-leading 33 blocks; 25 starts
Joe Wimberly	5.1 points and 40 assists in 16 appearances
Taylor Stovall	4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds; 65.7% shooting

All five appear on the published 2026–27 roster.
Rebounding provides an established strength. Last season, Bethel averaged 40.5 rebounds, compared with 35.6 for opponents. The Wildcats scored 78.4 points per game while allowing 77.3, and shot 42.5% overall, 31.5% from three and 70.8% at the foul line.
There are interesting roster additions. The roster lists Jalen Anglin, a 6-foot-5 senior guard from Milan whose previous school is Cumberland University; Wadang Wel, a 6-foot-9 junior forward; and Austin Tinnon, a 6-foot-10 freshman center from Shelbyville.
Bethel has an opportunity to exceed preseason expectations. The Wildcats were picked tied for fifth with Lindsey Wilson, receiving 15 points in the MSC coaches' poll released October 21. Georgetown was picked first, followed by defending national champion Freed-Hardeman.
Bethel opens against St. Thomas University of Florida on October 28 at 7 p.m. in Crisp Arena. Other dates to highlight include:

• November 6–7: St. Mary-Woods and Ave Maria in the Chick-fil-A Classic.
• November 20–21: Florida College and LSU Alexandria in the Centennial Bank Classic.
• January 7: MSC opener at Georgetown.
• January 14: First home conference game against Cumberland.

Jeff Britt enters his 27th season as Head Men's Basketball Coach at Bethel and his 38th overall at the collegiate level. A respected veteran of the game, Coach Britt has compiled an impressive career record of 556-401 placing him 10th among active NAIA Division I coaches in career wins. While at Bethel, Britt has amassed 448 victories.