The 2026-27 men's college basketball season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with major changes to scheduling rules that will transform how we follow early season tournaments. Gone are the days of tracking every D1 program's multi-team event exemptions—now, teams can schedule up to 32 regular-season games without those requirements, meaning we're focusing only on true bracketed events and multi-day showcases. And here's the kicker: teams can now participate in more than one tournament per season, opening the door for even more thrilling matchups.
Let's dive into the early season action, starting with a strong West Coast flavor. Cal State Fullerton (Big West), Hawai'i (Mountain West* as host), Portland (WCC), and one TBD team will tip off in what promises to be a competitive bracket in the islands.
Heading to the East Coast, the Charleston Classic in South Carolina (probable dates: Thursday and Friday, November 26-27) will feature a traditional two-game bracket. The lineup includes Dayton (Atlantic 10), Minnesota (Big Ten), Oklahoma State (Big 12), Utah (Big 12), Virginia Tech (ACC), and three TBD teams—plenty of potential for early season statement wins.
But the real fireworks might come from a powerhouse field that reads like a March Madness preview. Auburn (SEC), Florida (SEC), Houston (Big 12), Kansas (Big 12), Notre Dame (ACC), Rutgers (Big Ten), UNLV (Mountain West), and West Virginia (Big 12) are all set to clash in a yet-to-be-named event. With national title contenders like the Jayhawks and Cougars, this is a must-watch for any hoops fan.
The Maui Invitational returns to its iconic home in Lahaina from Monday to Wednesday, November 23-25, with a traditional three-game bracket. The field is stacked: Arizona (Big 12), BYU (Big 12), Clemson (ACC), Colorado State (Pac-12*), Mississippi (SEC), Providence (Big East), VCU (Atlantic 10), and Washington (Big Ten). Expect island vibes and high-level basketball.
Thanksgiving week brings a massive 16-team event to Palm Springs, California, with a format still TBD. The lineup is a who's who of college basketball: Alabama (SEC), Baylor (Big 12), Creighton (Big East), Gonzaga (Pac-12*), Iowa State (Big 12), Kansas State (Big 12), Louisville (Big 12), Maryland (Big Ten), Miami (Fla.) (ACC), Michigan (Big Ten), Oregon (Big Ten), St. John's (Big East), San Diego State (Pac-12*), TCU (Big 12), Tennessee (SEC), and Texas Tech (Big 12). With multiple reports confirming this field, it's shaping up to be the premier early season destination.
Meanwhile, another West Coast showcase is brewing, with 22 teams expected to participate in a Thanksgiving week event in Palm Springs as well. The list includes Arizona State (Big 12), Cal Baptist (Big West*), Colorado (Big 12), Fordham (Atlantic 10), Fresno State (Pac-12*), Grand Canyon (Mountain West), Loyola Marymount (WCC), Nevada (Mountain West), Oregon State (Pac-12), San Diego (WCC), San Francisco (WCC), Santa Clara (WCC), Seattle (WCC), South Carolina (SEC), Stanford (SEC), Tulsa (American), UC Irvine (Big West), UC San Diego (Big West), USC (Big Ten), Utah State (Pac-12*), and Washington State (Pac-12). This deep field offers a mix of power conference programs and rising mid-majors, perfect for scouting future stars.
Finally, the action heads to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, with a format still to be announced. Cincinnati (Big 12) is confirmed, with other teams TBD per reports from Russell Heltman and Sports Illustrated.
Whether you're a fan of blue bloods or underdogs, this season's early tournaments promise non-stop action from coast to coast. Stay tuned as more details emerge—and don't forget to gear up with your team's latest apparel to show your support from tip-off to the final buzzer.