Kansas Athletics announced that the beloved Late Night in the Phog tradition will be reshaped for the 2026‑27 campaign, moving from a standalone showcase to a series of exhibition contests that will anchor the preseason schedule for both the men's and women's squads.
A new format for a classic event
Instead of a single night of fanfare, the university will weave the festivities into separate exhibition games, preserving the spirit of team introductions, giveaways and community activities while expanding the reach of the tradition across multiple dates.
The men's team opens its preseason slate on October 16 against Pittsburg State, followed by a home clash with Louisville on October 21. The women's team will host Washburn on October 29 after a preliminary exhibition against Northeastern State on October 22. Both programs will also stage Phog Fest on the front lawn of Allen Fieldhouse, featuring inflatable games, live music and food trucks to engage supporters before the first exhibition.
Adding to the excitement, Kansas will welcome back two All‑Big 12 First Team selections, S’Mya Nichols and Jaliya Davis, who will anchor the 2026‑27 roster. Their return raises expectations for a strong start to the regular season, which opens on November 3 with a home game against Omaha at Allen Fieldhouse.
Looking ahead
Coaches and players alike see the revised schedule as an opportunity to blend tradition with fresh competitive moments, giving fans a extended taste of the Phog atmosphere while allowing the teams to fine‑tune strategies before the official season begins. The integration also highlights the university's commitment to community outreach, as the events will include charitable giveaways and local vendor participation.