Clemson’s women’s basketball program has taken a decisive step forward by releasing its non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 campaign, a schedule that blends home‑court tradition with challenging road tests.
Head coach Shawn Poppie, who has guided the Tigers through a period of rapid growth, announced the lineup on Tuesday, emphasizing the blend of regional rivalries and marquee matchups that will test the team early in the season.
The first test arrives on Monday, November 2, when the Tigers open their season at home against Radford in front of a packed Littlejohn Coliseum, setting a tone of immediacy and ambition.
A schedule built for growth
Among the highlighted contests are a showdown with South Carolina, the 2025 National Runner‑Up, and a clash with Kentucky, a Sweet 16 team from the same year, both scheduled to pit Clemson against some of the nation’s most respected programs.
The Tigers will also travel to Daytona Beach for a two‑day classic later in November, while a much‑anticipated Education Day game will be held on Tuesday, December 15, against Western Carolina, a tradition that draws campus and community attention.
Overall, the non‑conference slate promises 11 home games at Littlejohn Coliseum, encounters with seven institutions from the Carolinas and opponents spanning seven different states, and competition across six distinct conferences, including the Big South, SoCon, SEC, ASUN, CAA and C‑USA.
The schedule culminates with a road test at Kentucky in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Thursday, December 3, followed by a series of home fixtures against Gardner‑Webb, Kennesaw State and other foes, rounding out a demanding but strategically diverse season.
Beyond the win‑loss column, the slate reflects an intentional effort to broaden the Tigers’ competitive horizon, forge new rivalries and give the program early exposure to high‑stakes environments that could prove pivotal as the season unfolds.