Memphis has released a non‑conference schedule that reads like a who’s‑who of college basketball, featuring 14 games against some of the nation’s most respected programs. The Tigers will meet six Power 4 opponents, a deliberate move that reflects head coach Penny Hardaway’s belief that elite competition is the fastest route to prominence.
The season opens on November 2 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Memphis will square off against Iowa State in a neutral‑site showdown. The Cyclones entered the previous season ranked No. 7 in the NET and finished 29‑8, advancing to the Sweet 16, giving the Tigers an early test against a team with a 96.7 average NET rating.
Back at FedExForum, the home opener arrives on November 7 against VCU, followed by a series of home contests that include Louisville, Evansville, Jackson State, Grand Canyon, Little Rock and Utah State. The schedule balances home comforts with a grueling road swing that will take the team to Nashville, Waco and Austin.
Elite Road Trips and National Showcases
Memphis will travel to face Vanderbilt on November 10, then head to Baylor on December 5 and Texas on December 16, each representing a different style of play and a chance to measure the team’s growth. The Tigers are also slated for the Battle 4 Atlantis, opening against Wake Forest on November 25 before meeting Dayton in the A10/American Showcase at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on November 29.
Prior to the regular season, Memphis will tune up with exhibition games against Mississippi State on October 23 and Arkansas on October 28. Those matches give Hardaway a chance to experiment with lineups and fine‑tune the chemistry that could define the year. Fans can also secure season tickets for the 2026‑27 campaign, ensuring they won’t miss any of the action.