Xavier University has released its 2026‑27 non‑conference men’s basketball schedule, laying out a slate that blends early‑season exhibitions with a handful of high‑profile road tests. The announcement comes as the program prepares for a year that could define its trajectory under second‑year head coach Richard Pitino.
Early exhibitions set the tone
The season opens with the CareSource Invitational against Dayton on October 7, followed by a home exhibition against Kent State on October 23. A third exhibition game will be played on the road against an opponent to be announced, giving the Musketeers a chance to fine‑tune their rotations before the regular season begins.
Key non‑conference matchups
Xavier will open its regular season with a three‑game homestand, beginning with Mount St. Mary's on November 2. The slate then takes the team to West Virginia for the Greenbrier Tip‑Off, where they will meet Mississippi State on November 13. A marquee home game against Iowa follows on November 20, pitting the Musketeers against a team that reached the 2026 NCAA Elite Eight.
From November 25‑27, Xavier will travel to the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in Nassau, Bahamas, where they will face a competitive field that includes teams from across the Caribbean and the United States. The schedule also features the annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout at Cincinnati on December 5, a rivalry game that always draws a packed house.
Notable storylines
Head coach Richard Pitino returns with a roster that blends experience and fresh talent. Junior forward Jovan Milićević, who averaged 12.4 points per game last season, is joined by redshirt sophomore Gabriel Pozzato, a 2024‑25 Missouri Valley Conference All‑Freshman Team selection. The team also welcomes seven transfers, including guard Chance Westry, who posted 15.5 points per game at UAB, big man Mike Nwoko, who contributed 13.4 points per game at LSU, and guard Tru Washington, who averaged 11.9 points per game at Miami (Fla.). Sharpshooting senior Rubén Domínguez, who hit 40.0 percent from three‑point range last season at Texas A&M, adds another weapon to the lineup.
With a schedule that balances home comforts and challenging road trips, the Musketeers are poised to test themselves against some of the nation’s top programs. The blend of veteran leadership and dynamic newcomers sets the stage for an exciting campaign that could see Xavier make a deep run in both conference play and any potential postseason opportunities.