A rigorous non‑conference slate
The university made the 2026‑27 men’s basketball non‑conference schedule public on July 30, 2026, outlining a demanding lineup that blends home dominance with challenging road trips. Seventeen home games will anchor the season, complemented by two exhibitions against Commonwealth opponents that promise early momentum.
A marquee highlight is the road game at the University of Kentucky, which also serves as a homecoming for head coach Preston Spradlin. The matchup adds a narrative twist, pitting the Dukes against a traditional power in front of a familiar crowd.
The season will open against Miami (Ohio), the 2025‑26 Mid‑American Conference regular‑season champions, setting a high bar for competition right out of the gate. Returning sophomore forward Preston Fowler and junior guard Paul Jones III will be key contributors as the team looks to build on a 18‑15 record from the previous year.
Preseason action begins in October 2026 with exhibitions versus Richmond and VCU, followed by early contests against former Colonial Athletic Association rivals and NCAA tournament teams. The schedule also includes road trips to face Delaware, Towson, Elon, North Carolina A&T and other opponents, ensuring a diverse set of challenges.
The non‑conference slate will close with home games against Coppin State and Notre Dame of Maryland in December 2026, providing a final opportunity to fine‑tune before stepping into Sun Belt Conference play. The Dukes aim to leverage their strong home‑court advantage while testing themselves against a varied field of opponents.