The University of Memphis announced a robust non‑conference slate for the upcoming 2026‑27 basketball season, a schedule that blends home fixtures with road challenges and neutral‑site openers.
The highlight is a home‑and‑home series with Grand Canyon University, slated for a December 11, 2026 meeting in Memphis. This will mark the first-ever non‑conference encounter between the Tigers and the Antelopes, setting the stage for a future road test in the 2027‑28 season.
Early in the campaign, Memphis will host Baylor on December 5, with Scott Drew still steering the Bears. The matchup pits two of the nation’s most respected coaches against each other and adds another marquee opponent to the Tigers’ roster.
Season Opener in the Heartland
The season officially begins on November 2 with a neutral‑site game against Iowa State at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The event will bring the Tigers to the heart of the Midwest, offering an early test before the team settles into its home arena.
Overall, the Tigers are slated to play 14 non‑conference games and 18 contests within the American Athletic Conference, a balance that reflects Coach Bryce Drew’s desire to blend preparation with competition.
Memphis concluded the 2022‑23 season with a 20‑12 record, the first sub‑23‑win campaign since the shortened 2020‑21 year, and secured its third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, underscoring the program’s recent resurgence.
In addition to the regular schedule, the Tigers are expected to stage a third exhibition game against a power‑conference opponent at FedExForum, giving fans a first look at the new‑look squad before the regular season fully unfolds.