The Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball program will open its 2026‑27 non‑conference slate with a much‑anticipated game against the Syracuse Orange at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on November 9, 2026. The contest represents the first time the two schools have met in the Hoosier capital, adding a new chapter to a rivalry that has spanned nearly four decades.
Coached by Darian DeVries, who is in his second season leading the Hoosiers, the team has scheduled a second high‑profile matchup later in the month when it travels to face the Kentucky Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Both games are part of a deliberate effort to test the squad against elite competition as the new era takes shape.
The programs first collided in the 1987 NCAA Championship, where Indiana edged Syracuse 74‑73 on a buzzer‑beating jumper by Keith Smart. That victory remains a touchstone for Hoosier fans, and the memory of Smart’s clutch shot continues to echo whenever the two teams are mentioned together.
Syracuse, however, has held the upper hand in recent meetings. The Orange captured a 112‑110 overtime win in 2021 and followed it with a Sweet Sixteen triumph in 2013. Those victories have added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming Indianapolis showdown, as Indiana looks to reverse the trend.
Indiana has made it a point to schedule at least one non‑conference game in Indianapolis each season, a tradition that was briefly interrupted during the 2024‑25 campaign. The upcoming game against Syracuse will restore that pattern, underscoring the city’s growing role in the Hoosiers’ travel itinerary.
A New Chapter Begins
With the schedule set and the opponents identified, the Hoosiers are turning their focus to preparation and execution. Coach DeVries has emphasized the need for disciplined play and strong defensive fundamentals as the team readies for the challenges ahead. The upcoming games will not only showcase the talent on the roster but also provide a measuring stick for the program’s progress under its new leadership.