A Test of Early Opponents
American University’s men’s basketball team opens the 2026‑27 campaign with a six‑game home stretch at Bender Arena, setting the tone for a schedule that blends home‑court familiarity with a gauntlet of road tests.
The Eagles will host Harvard on November 15 in their first home appearance, following three consecutive away games that include a trip to Cincinnati and a showdown at Clemson on November 6. The early slate also features a matchup at Maryland on December 2 and a visit to George Washington on December 9, both of which promise competitive environments for a young roster.
Coach Duane Simpkins, a Maryland alumnus who previously guided the Terps to three NCAA Tournament appearances, designed the non‑conference calendar to expose the team to high‑level competition and accelerate development before Patriot League play begins.
A three‑day tournament from November 27 to 29 will bring Radford, UMass Lowell and Hampton to the nation’s capital, with games scheduled at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day, offering fans multiple opportunities to see the Eagles in action.
The season also includes a reunion with Harvard, against whom American posted a 67‑55 victory two years ago, as well as a first‑time meeting with UCF on December 6, a program that finished 21‑12 last year.
Additional road trips will take the Eagles to UMES on December 13 and to Penn on December 22, rounding out a diverse non‑conference slate that blends local rivals, historic foes and emerging opponents.