Purdue basketball is heating up its non-conference schedule with an exciting addition—a matchup against a 2026 NCAA Tournament team. The Boilermakers will host California Baptist University at Mackey Arena on December 21, as first reported by CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.

This isn't just any preseason tune-up. The Lancers are riding high after a stellar 25-9 campaign that earned them their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. Though they fell to powerhouse Kansas in the opening round, Cal Baptist proved they belong on the big stage. For Purdue fans, this game offers a chance to see a hungry, rising program test themselves against a perennial Big Ten contender.

The addition continues a trend of Matt Painter loading up the schedule with quality opponents, giving his squad early-season tests that pay dividends come March. With the Boilermakers looking to build on their own recent tournament success, this December clash promises to be a hard-fought battle between two programs with something to prove.

Mark your calendars—this is one non-conference showdown you won't want to miss. And if you're planning to cheer on the Boilermakers in style, make sure you're geared up with the latest Purdue apparel to show your support from the stands or at home.