High Expectations: Royals Ranked Second in AAC Preseason Poll

As the Johnson Royals prepare to tip off another exciting season of college basketball, expectations are higher than ever. Under the leadership of Head Coach Logan Sharp, the Royals continue to build momentum after last season's strong showing, which included a deep run in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) postseason.

In the 2025–26 AAC Preseason Coaches Poll, the Royals have been selected to finish second, earning 133 total points and three first-place votes. Pikeville claimed the top spot with 140 points and eight first-place votes, while Columbia International rounded out the top three with 116 points. The poll included 11 total voters across the league.

Johnson also received votes in the NAIA National Top 25 Poll, signaling growing national respect for the program and setting the stage for another competitive year in the AAC.

The Royals return a talented core led by Mason Lockhart, Caden Windle, and Dallas Carbaugh, each of whom earned postseason recognition last year. Their leadership will be complemented by an exciting mix of newcomers and transfers who have already made strong impressions during preseason workouts.

Head Coach Logan Sharp's thoughts on getting the season started, "We are excited as a staff to get going this season. We have a handful of returners who have mixed nicely so far with some talented newcomers. We play an extremely tough non-conference schedule that will hopefully prepares us for our conference slate and March."

With momentum from last season and a roster filled with experience and promise, the Royals are ready to make another statement in the AAC—and with national attention building, they'll be a team to watch closely in the weeks ahead.