Butler University will open its 2026‑27 campaign with an exhibition showdown against Indiana State on October 10, offering the first public glimpse of the roster that Coach Ronald Nored has assembled.
A Fresh Coaching Landscape
Nored, a Butler alumnus who returned to the program as head coach, is using the exhibition slate to evaluate talent and instill his system before the regular season begins. The game marks the debut of a team that blends returning veterans with promising newcomers, setting the tone for what he hopes will be a competitive year.
The exhibition is part of a broader schedule that includes nonconference road trips to face Lafayette, Fairleigh Dickinson, Western Carolina and Bellarmine, as well as a home‑and‑home series with North Carolina that will test the Bulldogs early in the year.
Adding intrigue, Indiana State will be led by Butler graduate Matthew Graves, now in his third season as the Sycamores’ head coach. Graves missed the previous campaign while recovering from triple‑bypass surgery, and his return signals a determined effort to rebuild the program.
Nored and Graves join a small but growing group of Butler alumni who are now steering Division I programs. Joining them are Baylor’s Scott Drew and Miami (Ohio)’s Travis Steele, each of whom brings a distinct philosophy to their respective teams.
The upcoming matchup also serves as a narrative bridge between the two schools, highlighting the interconnected nature of college basketball and the impact of former Bulldogs on the wider collegiate landscape.
Fans can expect a fast‑paced, defensively intense contest that will showcase the evolution of both programs under their respective leaders. As the teams take the court, the game will underscore the promise of a new era for Butler basketball and the continued influence of its alumni network.