Boise State unveils 2026 nonconference slate
Boise State Broncos have released their 2026 nonconference schedule, a 15‑game lineup that stretches across eleven states and promises a dramatic opening to the season. The slate was announced by head coach Leon Rice, who will guide the team from the first tip‑off on November 4 when they host West Coast Baptist at ExtraMile Arena.
Early home tests and neutral‑site challenges
Rice, whose tenure has produced a 138‑58 record in nonconference play and a 44‑17 mark over the past five years, says the schedule is designed to test the Broncos early and build momentum. The goal is clear: start the year undefeated against several marquee opponents and set the tone for a strong campaign.
The early stretch features a home back‑to‑back against Butler on November 8 and a showdown with Oakland on November 11. Both games are part of a home‑and‑home series that the Broncos hope to sweep, while also marking their first ever meeting with Pacific Christian Athletic Conference rival West Coast Baptist.
Beyond the walls of ExtraMile Arena, the team will travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a neutral‑site clash with Nebraska on November 15, and later take part in the Snake River Collegiate Basketball Invitational in Idaho Falls over the Thanksgiving weekend, facing Drake, North Texas and North Dakota State.
Later contests and season finale
The latter portion of the nonconference slate includes a December 5 matchup at Charles Koch Arena against Wichita State, followed by home games versus Texas A&M Corpus Christi on December 12 and Utah Valley on December 16. The contest with Texas A&M Corpus Christi will be the program’s inaugural meeting, and the Broncos are aiming for their eighth straight victory over Utah Valley.
Boise State will also venture to Southern California, meeting Santa Clara on December 21 and New Mexico on December 23; New Mexico, a former Mountain West foe, provides another historic reference point. The nonconference schedule wraps up with a home game against Lamar on December 29, rounding out a demanding but exciting roadmap.