A Renewed Rivalry
The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team has officially agreed to a home‑and‑home series with the University of Cincinnati, a partnership that will bring the two Midwestern programs together on the hardwood for two consecutive seasons.
The first meeting is set for November 9, 2026, when the Bearcats will host the Golden Gophers in Cincinnati. The following year, Minnesota will welcome Cincinnati to its home venue, the Barn, as part of the 2027‑28 campaign.
The arrangement marks the first contest between the schools since 2006 and adds a non‑conference slot to each team’s schedule, providing an early‑season test for both squads as they prepare for conference play.
Historically, the two teams have met five times, with Minnesota holding a 2‑3 edge dating back to 1983. Those previous encounters, which exclude games that were later vacated, give the Gophers a modest advantage but also underscore the competitiveness of the series.
Both coaching staffs see the series as an opportunity to showcase their programs to a broader audience, and the matchups are expected to draw significant attention from fans across the Midwest.