A demanding non‑conference schedule
The Bison open the 2026‑27 campaign on the road against Maryland on November 2, marking the first test of a schedule that blends power‑five competition with mid‑major matchups.
Bucknell will face six teams that earned NCAA tournament berths a year ago, plus a participant from the NIT, giving the roster a taste of high‑stakes basketball early in the season.
Nine of the fourteen non‑league opponents posted winning records last year, including six squads that reached the 20‑win plateau, underscoring the strength of the slate.
The non‑conference slate also features exhibition contests, highlighted by a game on October 24 against Hall‑of‑Famer Kevin Bettencourt’s Endicott team, providing a unique reunion for former teammates.
Before the Patriot League schedule begins on December 30 against Colgate, the Bison will host six home games, while ticket sales for season passes kick off on August 19 and single‑game tickets become available September 16.
Mid‑week road trips will take the team to Delaware, UMBC and Hofstra, while the annual Cathedral Classic in Philadelphia pits Bucknell against La Salle and Penn on November 27 and 28.
Patriot League outlook
The league slate opens with matches versus Colgate, Navy, Boston University and Lehigh, setting the stage for the conference tournament in March, where the championship will be contested at the higher‑seeded team’s arena.