A Milestone Schedule
Kansas State’s head coach Casey Alexander has released the first non‑conference slate of his tenure, a 2026‑27 schedule that promises a varied lineup of opponents. The announcement marks a deliberate effort to test the Wildcats against a spectrum of playing styles and competitive levels before stepping into Big 12 action.
Key Matchups to Watch
The schedule highlights a Players Era 16 event in Las Vegas, where the Wildcats will meet Gonzaga, a team that finished the previous season ranked fifteenth in KenPom, and will also face either Alabama or Baylor in the same showcase. A home game against Creighton re‑establishes a historic rivalry, while a neutral‑site contest with Wichita State in Kansas City adds an in‑state flavor to the lineup.
Additional non‑conference foes include an exhibition against Missouri on October 23, followed by contests with South Dakota State, Cal State Northridge, Montana, Campbell, and a series of mid‑major programs such as Seton Hall, Indiana University‑Indianapolis, Little Rock, Lindenwood and Omaha. Each opponent brings a distinct profile, from the 31‑win Gonzaga Bulldogs to the 12‑win Little Rock Trojans, ensuring a challenging preparation for conference play.
The full slate reflects a strategic blend of home‑court fixtures, neutral‑site events and road trips, all designed to sharpen the Wildcats before they enter the Big 12 schedule later in the season. Fans can expect a series of high‑stakes games that will shape the team’s momentum heading into the conference slate.