Indiana University’s men’s basketball program has locked in a high‑profile non‑conference matchup for the 2026‑27 season, announcing that it will host the University of Missouri on December 18, 2026, at Assembly Hall in Bloomington.
Series history and recent form
The all‑time series between the Hoosiers and the Tigers stands at an even 9‑9, reflecting a long‑standing rivalry that has produced many close contests. Their most recent meeting came on December 19, 2024, in Columbia, where Missouri edged Indiana 56‑53 in a tightly contested game.
Missouri enters the 2026‑27 campaign ranked No. 39 in the national preseason polls and comes off a 20‑13 record from the previous season, a performance that has raised expectations among analysts.
Broader non‑conference slate
In addition to the Missouri game, Indiana has scheduled contests against Eastern Illinois, Bellarmine, Syracuse, Kentucky and Bowling Green as part of its regular non‑conference slate. The Hoosiers will also travel to face Western Kentucky in an exhibition before hosting North Carolina for a separate showcase game.
Sports analyst Jon Rothstein highlighted the significance of the matchup, noting that “the Hoosiers’ ability to compete against a top‑30 program early in the season could set the tone for their NCAA tournament aspirations.” Fellow analyst Bart Torvik added that Missouri’s recent recruiting class gives them depth that could challenge Indiana’s interior defense.