BYU basketball fans, get ready for an exciting 2026 season! The Cougars' non-conference schedule is shaping up to be a powerhouse lineup, with a major new addition that's sure to turn heads.
Jon Rothstein broke the news Friday that BYU will face off against Northwestern at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City this coming season. This is a significant matchup that adds serious depth to an already impressive slate.
With the NCAA now allowing teams to schedule 32 games this season (up from 31), BYU will have 14 non-conference contests and 18 Big 12 battles. According to sources, the Cougars are aiming for a balanced approach: seven high-quality Q1/Q2 games to boost their resume, and seven "buy" games in Provo to build momentum.
Let's break down the highlights of what's in store:
Exhibition Action: Mark your calendars for October 16, when BYU will host Nebraska in Provo for what's expected to be their first exhibition game. This falls the day before the Notre Dame football game, making it a perfect sports-filled weekend. The Cougars will also schedule one more public exhibition and potentially a closed-door scrimmage.
Season Opener: The real fireworks begin on November 2, when BYU tips off the season against Ohio State at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Buckeyes, an 8-seed in last year's NCAA Tournament, will provide a tough early test.
Maui Invitational: Thanksgiving week will be a feast of basketball as BYU heads to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational. The field is loaded with talent, including Arizona, Washington, VCU, Providence, Ole Miss, Colorado State, and Clemson. This tournament alone could define BYU's non-conference resume.
Sources indicate these matchups—Northwestern, Ohio State, and the Maui Invitational games—are expected to make up the Cougars' seven Q1/Q2 non-conference contests. As for the rumored return game against Wisconsin, sources confirm that will remain a one-off and won't be revisited.
With just two more games to fill out the non-conference schedule, BYU is crafting a challenging and entertaining slate that should have fans counting down the days until tip-off. Stay tuned for more updates as the schedule comes together!