The University of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program is gearing up for a 2026‑27 Atlantic 10 schedule that promises a rigorous test from the outset. The Rams will hit the road against the league’s top three finishers from the previous season, setting the tone for a campaign that could define the program’s trajectory.
A demanding conference road trip
URI is slated to travel to face Saint Louis, VCU and Saint Joseph’s, the three teams that finished atop the conference last year. Saint Louis opened the season with a 24‑1 run before dropping its first league game to the Rams, a result that underscored URI’s ability to compete with elite opposition. VCU, fresh off a conference tournament title in its first year under Phil Martelli Jr., and Saint Joseph’s, which captured a 24‑win season and an NIT third‑round appearance under Steve Donahue, each bring a distinct style of play that will challenge Rhode Island’s defensive schemes.
Key returnees and fresh additions
The Rams will retain Jonah Hinton, Jahmere Tripp and Jalen Harper, the core that helped the team notch its first win over a top‑25 opponent in over eight years. In addition, the program welcomes transfers Jason Fontenet II, Dylan Williamson and Matas Deniusas, who are expected to add depth and versatility. Coach Archie Miller, who previously guided Dayton to four NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2010s, will now test his strategies against familiar foes like the Flyers.
Non‑conference matchups and historic rivalries
Beyond the Atlantic 10 slate, URI’s non‑conference schedule features in‑state rivals Brown and Providence, as well as a neutral‑site showdown with Monmouth at the Mohegan Sun. These games provide opportunities to fine‑tune the roster, build momentum and showcase the program to a broader audience.
The upcoming season also offers storylines that extend beyond the hardwood. The team will face Loyola Chicago, a program that finished 9‑24 overall last year, and will test its mettle against George Mason, Duquesne, Fordham, Richmond and La Salle, opponents it went 4‑6 against in the previous campaign. With a blend of seasoned leadership, promising newcomers and a challenging schedule, the Rams are poised to make a significant impact in both conference and non‑conference play.