The University of Evansville has released its 2026‑27 men’s basketball non‑conference schedule, a slate that blends early‑season experiments with marquee road tests.
Exhibition foundations
Before the regular season begins, the Aces will play three exhibition contests against Austin Peay, Southeast Missouri State and Wabash, using the games to fine‑tune chemistry and evaluate new additions.
Opening night and the River City Classic
The regular season opens at home against IU Kokomo on November 2, and just five days later Evansville travels to Murfreesboro for the River City Classic showdown with USI on November 7, a rivalry that has grown in recent years.
Trips to Tennessee and Missouri
A short road swing takes the team to Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro on November 10, where the Blue Raiders posted a 17‑win season a year ago, followed by a visit to Memphis on November 22 for a first‑ever meeting inside FedExForum.
Two days later, Evansville heads to Columbia, Missouri, to meet the University of Missouri, marking the first meeting with the Tigers since 2006 and adding a Big‑12 opponent to the schedule.
Home‑court highlights
The December portion of the schedule returns to the Ford Center for three of the final four non‑conference games, including home matchups against Western Kentucky and Brescia, while a road game at Ball State caps the non‑conference stretch.
Athletic director Jeff Watters emphasized that the schedule is designed to test the team early, build resilience and give fans compelling early‑season narratives.