The University of New Mexico’s men’s basketball program has released its 2026‑27 schedule, opening on the road at Oklahoma State on October 11 and culminating with a home clash against Utah Tech on November 2, a game that will also mark the 60th anniversary of The Pit.
Head coach Eric Olen, now in his second season, says the schedule is designed to test the Lobos early, featuring matchups against the Mountain West regular‑season champions and a renewed rivalry with Grand Canyon University that promises fireworks after last year’s on‑court drama.
Rivalries and Road Tests
The conference slate begins on January 2 when the Lobos travel to El Paso to face UTEP, and continues with a home game against Nevada on January 5, before a high‑profile home‑and‑home series with Grand Canyon University on January 23 and February 6.
The roster will also see the Lobos navigate a new conference landscape, no longer meeting Utah State or San Diego State, while still battling New Mexico State in the annual Rio Grande Rivalry on December 5 at The Pit.
Season ticket holders can look forward to exclusive perks, including commemorative stickers, a personal note from Coach Olen and limited‑edition trading card packs, as the program aims to build on its NIT run and chase a regular‑season title.
The Rio Grande Rivalry against New Mexico State Aggies will continue on December 5 at The Pit, while the series with Grand Canyon University includes a home game on January 23 and a trip to Phoenix on February 6, a matchup that last season featured a dramatic ejection of GCU coach Bryce Drew.