ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst University men's basketball team opens up its 2026-27 campaign against the Ripon College Red Hawks on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. inside Doc Weiske '50 Memorial Gymnasium.

The Blue and White earned the top spot in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Preseason Poll, collecting 62 total points and six first-place votes, in addition to also beginning the season ranked No. 13 in the D3hoops.com Top 25 Preseason Poll.

"Anytime you have talented, experienced returners, the expectations naturally grow, and this group has earned every bit of that anticipation," said head coach John Baines. "The leadership across our roster is exceptional, rooted in a deep, genuine passion for the game. This squad is developing into a true player-led team, which is something I am sincerely proud to see."

The Bluejays compiled an overall record of 19-9 last season, posting a 10-6 mark in league play. Elmhurst concluded its 2025-26 campaign in the CCIW Tournament Championship game, falling to Illinois Wesleyan University in overtime.

Many familiar faces return for the Blue and White this season, including captains Dominic Trelenberg, Vinnie Adjahoungbeta, and Aidyn Boone. The trio is expected to be one of the premier frontcourts in the country, bringing versatility at both ends of the floor, giving Elmhurst a tremendous competitive advantage.

EJ Marshall, Jack Cherry, Talen Pearson, and Luke Smith are key guards who have all logged major, crunch-time minutes for the Bluejays over the past couple of years. That battle-tested experience has helped them blossom into high-level CCIW playmakers.

DJ Jervier, Andy Colvin, Oliver Adams, and Evan Salvador saw valuable floor time last season and have made strides in their games in the offseason and are ready to push hard and make an even greater impact on the floor this year. 

Transfer, Chris Ketchum, joins the Bluejays this year, adding athleticism and length on the court, while demonstrating high character off the court.

The freshman class has been exceptionally fruitful, showing rapid development and exciting promise in the coming months.

"Our guys have set high goals for themselves, and more importantly, they possess the daily work ethic required to achieve them. It is my job to keep us healthy, motivated, and prepared over the course of a long season. Luckily, we are blessed with a group of young men who genuinely appreciate the journey and aren't afraid to dream big."

The Blue and White open conference play against Illinois Wesleyan on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and wrap up nonconference action at Greenville University on Wednesday, Dec. 30.

The Bluejays take on the DePauw University Tigers in their home-opener on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside R.A. Faganel Hall.