Southeastern Baptist College vs West Florida prediction: West Florida opens its Division I era against NCCAA Southeastern Baptist
New coach Tanner Smith gets his first look at a reshaped roster against a small-college opponent, with no betting line posted yet.
- West Florida, in its first season after moving up from Division II, should control a home opener against an NCCAA program from Laurel, Mississippi.
- Watch how Tanner Smith's rebuilt rotation settles. Four players entered the portal after his April hiring, and no incoming transfers have been reported.
A program changes divisions
West Florida joined the ASUN on July 1, 2026, completing its move from Division II. This home date at UWF Field House on Monday, Nov. 2, at 6:00 PM ET is listed as the season opener, which makes it the first game of the Argonauts' Division I era.
The bench has turned over too. West Florida hired Tanner Smith in April to replace Justin Mann, who was released. Four players then announced they were entering the transfer portal. No 2026-27 transfer additions or starting freshmen have surfaced, so the rotation Smith sends out is largely unknown from the outside.
Where West Florida left off
Last season ended on a high followed by a quick exit. The Argonauts won the Gulf South tournament and reached the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2018. They then lost 53–58 to West Alabama in the Division II first round.
That was a Division II team under a different coach. With a new staff and four departures, last season is background for this game rather than a guide to it.
The visitors from Laurel
Southeastern Baptist College competes in the NCCAA, not the NCAA. Geno White is listed as men's head coach, with Dan McDonald as his assistant. Its 2026-27 roster and recent results have not turned up, and the two schools have no meetings on record in the last three seasons. No injury, illness, suspension or eligibility news has appeared for either team as of Oct. That reflects an absence of reports, not confirmation that everyone is available.
Numbers that matter
| ASUN membership date | July 1, 2026 | West Florida's move from Division II became official, making this its first season in Division I. |
|---|---|---|
| Last NCAA trip before 2025-26 | 2018 | West Florida's Gulf South title last season ended that gap before the program moved up. |
| Last season's final game | 53–58 | West Florida lost to West Alabama in the Division II first round, its last game before the coaching change. |
| Tip time | 6:00 PM ET | The opener is set for Monday, Nov. 2, at UWF Field House in Pensacola. |
Southeastern Baptist College vs West Florida: quick answers
When is Southeastern Baptist College vs West Florida?
Monday, November 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET.