The University of New Mexico recently released the 2026‑27 men’s basketball schedule, a program that mixes early‑season road challenges with a home opener that coincides with the 60th anniversary of The Pit. The season will open on Oct. 11 with a trip to Oklahoma State, setting the tone for a campaign that head coach Eric Olen believes can build on last year’s third‑place finish in the Mountain West and a strong run in the NIT.
The first home game arrives on Nov. 2 against Utah Tech, a matchup that will double as a celebration of The Pit’s six‑decade legacy. Fans are expected to pack the arena, and the atmosphere could provide the early momentum the Lobos need as they integrate new talent under Olen’s guidance.
Conference play begins on Jan. 2 when the Lobos travel to El Paso to face UTEP, marking the start of their Mountain West schedule. A pivotal early test will come on Nov. 29 when the team hosts Utah State, the reigning regular‑season champions, a game that could prove decisive in the race for the conference title.
A marquee non‑conference showdown is slated for Jan. 23, when Grand Canyon University visits The Pit, followed by a road trip to Phoenix on Feb. 6. The series against Grand Canyon offers a chance to gauge the squad’s depth against a strong opponent, while the subsequent game in Phoenix will test the team’s resilience on the road.
The Lobos will also keep the Rio Grande Rivalry alive with a home contest against New Mexico State on Dec. 5. The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of staying disciplined against teams that have shifted conferences, noting that the altered landscape positions the Lobos as early favorites for the regular‑season crown.
A New Era for the Lobos
Beyond the schedule, the season brings a series of perks for season ticket holders, including commemorative stickers, a personal letter from Coach Eric Olen and a special trading‑card pack. These incentives reflect the program’s desire to deepen fan engagement while the team aims to translate its preseason optimism into on‑court success.