Building on Success: 2026-27 NJIT Highlanders Season Preview

One of the biggest surprises in America East men’s basketball a season ago was the NJIT Highlanders. Head coach Grant Billmeier has done a fine job getting this program into the upper half of the conference. Now comes the tough part: staying there. Six newcomers—four from the transfer portal and two recruits—will try to build on last season’s success. As we continue to look ahead to AE basketball, we take a look at the NJIT Highlanders for 2026-27.

Matheo Coffi fvusodavxxk from UTSA. He appeared in 30 games with 27 starts, averaging 3.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field. The sophomore from Strasbourg, France, had his best game against the Rice Owls when he scored 12 points. His ability to play multiple positions could prove to be a big plus for the Highlanders.

Brendan Oliver transferred in from Canisius University. He played in 30 games, making two starts, and averaged 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds. His first start a season ago produced a career high in points as he went for 15 vs. St. Peter’s. The forward from West Orange, NJ, is a terrific offensive player, according to the coach. It is believed he has the capability to be a rim protector as well, thanks to his length and athleticism.

Final week of work before it’s go time 🔒

#UNITY | #RollTech⚔️ https://t.co/j745g5iS2V

— NJIT Men’s Basketball (@NJITHoops) October 30, 2026

Brandon Stores Jr. spent last season in the ACC with Georgia Tech. He was highly regarded as a big guard/small forward. The native of Newark, NJ, was ranked as the sixth-best prospect by 247Sports coming out of the New York-New Jersey area. The 6-5 guard played in only one game for the Yellow Jackets. He was a prolific scorer at St. Raymond High School, where he left as the all-time scoring leader with over 2,000 points.

Mario Tatum joins the program from VMI, where he played in 31 games, starting eight of them. He averaged 8.5 points and 2.0 rebounds while recording 42 assists and 21 steals. Tatum is a physical player with the ability to play either guard spot—a solid offensive option who can score and set up teammates. The coaching staff will be looking for him to be a valuable two-way contributor.

The first of two incoming recruits is Jayonni Dorrough, a 6-5 guard from Las Vegas, Nevada. He averaged 17.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while playing for ABC Prep last season. A skilled perimeter threat, Dorrough shot 45% from beyond the arc. The staff views him as a versatile player who can fulfill multiple roles on the court for NJIT.

From overseas comes 6-7 forward Victor Vanderstraeten, who hails from Belgium. He has made significant strides through the Belgian elite youth program and brings international experience with the Belgian U18 team. Despite this being his first year of college basketball, Coach Billmeier will be looking for immediate leadership from him.

These six newcomers will join seven returning members from last year’s squad, which helped the program finish third in the regular-season conference standings. Non-conference games against Rutgers, Boston College, and Seton Hall highlight the upcoming schedule.