The University of Dayton’s men’s basketball squad is set to begin the 2026‑27 season on November 2, when it hosts the New Jersey Institute of Technology in the first game that college basketball teams are permitted to play that year.
A Tradition of Opening‑Night Dominance
Dayton’s opening‑night streak stretches to 21 victories, a run that began after a loss to Eastern Kentucky in 2004 and reflects the program’s resilience in season‑start scenarios.
NJIT, which transitioned to Division I in 2006‑07, has never qualified for the NCAA tournament and has endured seven consecutive losing seasons despite posting the best conference record in school history last year with a 10‑6 mark in the America East Conference.
Coach Grant Billmeier, now in his third year at the helm, carries a 29‑63 record but will look to capitalize on Dayton’s tradition of opening‑night success, having not lost on opening night since 2004 against Eastern Kentucky.
The Flyers’ schedule also includes an exhibition matchup with Notre Dame on October 17, a home contest against Cincinnati on November 14, and a road game versus South Florida on December 12, rounding out a non‑conference slate that promises early tests.
While the team embraces the challenge of facing an opponent that has struggled for consistency, the matchup also offers a chance to gauge the impact of Coach Billmeier’s evolving system and to build momentum heading into conference play.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the Flyers can extend their historic opening‑night dominance against a New Jersey Institute of Technology squad eager to prove it can break out of its recent slump.