The Bradley Braves have unveiled their 2026‑27 non‑conference basketball schedule, a lineup that deliberately pits the team against some of the nation’s strongest mid‑major programs. The plan centers on securing five contests against opponents classified as Quad 1 or Quad 2, a move designed to bolster the Braves’ résumé for the NCAA tournament.
The schedule features a home‑and‑home series with Pacific, while the team will also host visits from Davidson, North Texas and George Mason. A first‑ever regular‑season game against Green Bay is slated for early December, and exhibition matchups against SIUE are set for late October. Additional early‑season games include a Nov. 2 visit from Monmouth College, a Nov. 21 rematch with Pacific, and a Dec. 8 showdown with Green Bay at Carver Arena.
Strategic Non‑Conference Strategy
Coach Brian Wardle said the slate is about more than just ticking a box; it is a strategic effort to test the team against high‑level competition and to meet the Missouri Valley Conference’s mandate of facing at least four Quad 1‑2 opponents.
The conference’s rule requiring four Quad 1‑2 opponents was satisfied by the Pacific series, and the overall schedule reflects a calculated effort to bring marquee programs back to Peoria, including the return of Davidson and North Texas in 2027.
Fans can expect a season that not only showcases top‑tier basketball but also reinforces Bradley’s commitment to competing at the highest level of college athletics.