Colorado State’s men’s basketball program is preparing for a rugged nonconference schedule in the 2026‑27 season, a slate deliberately packed with marquee opponents to test the team early and sharpen its competitive edge.
The Rams will open the year with a home showdown against rival Wyoming, while also welcoming smaller‑conference powerhouses such as North Dakota State, Portland State and Montana State. Exhibition games, including a October 25 matchup with San Diego, will give the squad additional minutes to fine‑tune before the regular season begins.
Road tests and neutral‑site showdowns
On the road, Colorado State travels to face Colorado and Wisconsin, the latter entering the season as a No. 5 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The team will also compete in the Maui Invitational, squaring off against national title contender Arizona and other top‑ranked programs in Hawaii, and will take part in the Texas Legends Classic against Nevada and Florida Atlantic.
The overarching goal of this demanding schedule is clear: build a résumé that showcases the Rams can compete with elite programs and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. By confronting high‑profile opponents both at home and on the road, Colorado State hopes to translate early challenges into a stronger postseason outlook.