Louisville Cardinals unveil 2026‑27 non‑conference slate
The University of Louisville announced its full non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, a slate that blends early‑season experiments with high‑profile matchups against some of the nation’s top programs.
The campaign kicks off with two exhibition contests — first against Kansas on October 21, then a home game versus Mercyhurst on October 28 — before the regular season opens on November 2 with a home victory over Chattanooga.
Rematches and Power‑Four showdowns
A marquee fixture is the return match against Michigan, the defending national champions, scheduled for a neutral‑site game on December 5, reviving a rivalry that dates back to the 2013 championship game.
Louisville will also face Texas and Kentucky from the SEC, Baylor and Texas Tech from the Big 12, and travel to Indianapolis for a neutral‑site battle with Baylor on January 23, each opponent bringing a Power Four pedigree to the roster.
Las Vegas tournament and the road ahead
The Cardinals will compete in the Players Era 16 Tournament in Las Vegas, where they could meet Texas Tech, Oregon or St. John’s before the championship game on November 28, adding a West Coast spotlight to the schedule.
Other notable dates include a home game against Morehead State on November 7, a road trip to Memphis on November 15 — a rivalry that stands at 55‑36 in Louisville’s favor — and a December 1 ACC/SEC Challenge clash with Texas.
The season will close with a neutral‑site game against Baylor in Indianapolis, completing a demanding but exhilarating non‑conference slate that positions the Cardinals for a strong start to the year.