Indiana University’s men’s basketball program has released its 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule, confirming a home game against the University of Central Florida on December 12, 2026 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
The matchup pits the Hoosiers against the Knights, who enter the contest after a 21‑12 season that saw them earn a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament before falling to UCLA in the first round.
UCF, now a member of the Big 12 Conference, is guided by head coach Johnny Dawkins, who is completing his 11th year at the helm of the program.
A Milestone in Indiana’s Non‑Conference History
This game will mark the fifth time the Hoosiers have faced a high‑major opponent outside of conference play, and it will be only the second such contest held in Bloomington, underscoring the rarity of the occasion.
In addition to the UCF contest, Indiana’s schedule includes road trips to neutral‑site games against Syracuse, Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri, with 29 of the 32 opponents already identified, promising a demanding stretch of competition.
Implications for the Hoosiers
Coach Mike Woodson’s squad will use the early‑season showdown as a barometer for its readiness ahead of Big 12 play, while fans anticipate a chance to test the team against a program that has consistently competed at the national level.
The game also adds to the growing body of non‑conference matchups that pit traditional powerhouses against emerging contenders, a trend that has become a staple of the college basketball calendar.