A challenging road ahead
The University of Kansas has released its non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, a slate that deliberately pits the Jayhawks against some of the country’s most respected programs.
Kansas will open the campaign on November 2 against Fordham, a game that sets the tone for a schedule packed with elite opponents.
A highlight comes just a week later, when the Jayhawks travel to Chicago to contest the annual Champions Classic, facing Kentucky in a neutral‑site showdown that promises national attention.
Later in November, the team will head to Las Vegas to compete in the Players Era 8 tournament, where they will meet a field that includes UConn, among other top programs.
Thanksgiving week brings two home contests, with games against Denver and Villanova scheduled for the holiday weekend, giving fans a chance to see the Jayhawks in front of their own crowd.
The regular season will also feature a marquee matchup on December 19 at Madison Square Garden, where Kansas will square off with Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic, a venue that has hosted many historic college basketball moments.
Additional non‑conference foes on the roster include Missouri, Northern Iowa, and a host of other mid‑major programs, ensuring a varied and demanding slate.
Head coach Bill Self, now in his 23rd season at the helm, has guided the Jayhawks to finish among the nation’s top five in schedule strength on four occasions in the past five years, underscoring the program’s commitment to rigorous competition.
Looking ahead
With the Big 12 Conference set to release its opponent matrix later this summer, the Jayhawks’ non‑conference agenda will soon be complemented by a full slate of league battles, promising another season of high‑stakes basketball for Kansas fans.