The University of Cincinnati announced its complete non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, a schedule that blends home‑court showcase events with a series of road tests. First‑year head coach Jerrod Calhoun will see his squad open the campaign in Mason, Ohio, as part of the CareSource Invitational doubleheader on October 7 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, where the Bearcats will meet Ohio State while Dayton takes on Xavier.
Exhibition opener at the CareSource Invitational
The inaugural exhibition game will pit Cincinnati against Ohio State in a highly anticipated matchup, while Dayton faces Xavier in the other half of the doubleheader. Both games promise early excitement and a chance for the new roster to gel under Calhoun’s guidance.
A week later, Cincinnati will welcome Illinois to Fifth Third Arena on October 17, followed by a home showdown with Oakland on October 27, giving fans early opportunities to see the new roster in action.
The season’s opening night arrives on November 2 against American, after which the Bearcats will host Green Bay on November 5 and travel to Minnesota on November 9 before heading to Dayton on November 14 for a road test against the Flyers.
After returning to Cincinnati for games against Youngstown State on November 18 and UMass Lowell on November 22, the team will head to Orlando for the ESPN Events Invitational from November 26‑27, where they will join a field of national contenders.
Late‑season showdowns
The latter part of the non‑conference stretch features a December 2 clash with Monmouth, the annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout against Xavier on December 5, and a December 14 meeting with Stetson before the schedule culminates with home games versus Clemson on December 19, Marist on December 22 and Bethune‑Cookman on December 29. With the Big 12 schedule, game times and broadcast details still to be released, the announced slate provides a clear roadmap for a season that promises both excitement and challenges as the program transitions to a new conference.