Colorado’s men’s basketball program has released its 2026‑27 nonconference schedule, revealing a nine‑game home slate that blends early‑season tests with regional rivalries. The lineup is designed to build momentum before the team steps into Big 12 competition later in the year.
A demanding opening stretch
The first test arrives on November 1, when the Buffaloes host Abilene Christian at the CU Events Center. The game marks the start of a busy November that will also feature the Bill Walton Classic, a showcase event that pits Colorado against San Diego State on November 7.
San Diego State, which finished last season at 22‑11, will return to Boulder just three days later for a second meeting on November 10. The early‑season series against the Aztecs is intended to gauge the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
Additional home opponents include Colorado State on December 5 and a much‑anticipated showdown with Denver on December 29. The schedule also lists UTEP, Central Arkansas, Cal Poly and North Dakota as other nonconference foes, each bringing a distinct competitive flavor to the roster.
Beyond Boulder, the Buffaloes will travel to Providence and participate in California’s Acrisure Series, where they open against Stanford. That game is slated for a 10 p.m. MT tip‑off, one of the few start times already announced. The rest of the nonconference slate includes contests that will be played across the country, setting up a geographically diverse start to the campaign.
Six of the seven remaining home games are scheduled before the calendar year ends, a cluster that should give the team ample opportunity to fine‑tune its chemistry. With the Big 12 Conference schedule and game times still pending, the nonconference period serves as a crucial testing ground for the program’s ambitions.