The University of Dayton has unveiled its non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, a slate that promises a blend of home‑court excitement and challenging road trips.
A demanding non‑conference slate
The Flyers will open the season at home against NJIT, a matchup first reported by CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, before welcoming the University of Cincinnati on November 14. Both games will be played at the iconic UD Arena, setting the tone for a campaign that aims to build on last year’s NIT quarterfinal run.
Dayton will also travel to face South Florida in a two‑game series. The first contest is slated for December 12 at the arena, while the second leg will shift to Tampa, Florida, during the following season, giving the team a chance to test itself in a different environment.
In addition, the Flyers are set to meet Florida State and Liberty as part of their non‑conference slate. Both programs visited the UD Arena last season, and the upcoming meetings are expected to continue the tradition of competitive, high‑profile matchups.
Returning core players Amael L’Etang and Jauin Simon, who helped the 2025‑26 squad finish 25‑12 and advance to the NIT quarterfinals, will anchor the team’s offense and defense. Their experience, combined with a strong recruiting class, positions Dayton to compete aggressively across the schedule.
Looking ahead
Coach Brad Brownell expressed confidence that the non‑conference slate will not only sharpen the team’s tactics but also provide valuable exposure for the program. The mix of early home games, neutral‑site contests and road tests is designed to prepare the Flyers for the rigors of Atlantic 10 play.