The Minnesota Gophers are finalizing their 2026 nonconference basketball schedule, confirming two new opponents from the Southwest Athletic Conference.
Games against Texas Southern and Alcorn State are slated for December 16 and December 20, 2026, and they follow a pattern of dominant wins last season, where Minnesota averaged a 39.5‑point margin over those teams.
The nonconference slate will consist of 11 contests, pushing the overall regular‑season total to 31 games, a figure that matches the historic ceiling for Division I men’s basketball and sets the stage for a potential 32‑game schedule next year.
While the Gophers will not host a power‑conference opponent for the second straight season, they have secured marquee matchups such as St. Thomas and will compete in the Charleston Classic, plus neutral‑site contests against Cal and SMU.
Why the new slate matters
The broader field of potential opponents includes North Dakota, Southern University, Western Illinois, UTSA and others, but assembling such a diverse slate is a challenge unless the program establishes itself as a consistent NCAA tournament contender.
Coaches and analysts note that other teams may shy away from scheduling Minnesota because a loss could hurt their own résumé, prompting the Gophers to likely add another modest matchup or a buy‑game to round out the schedule.
An official announcement is expected within the next few weeks, which will clarify the final composition of the nonconference lineup and give fans a clearer picture of what to expect.