The University of Miami has released its 2026‑27 non‑conference basketball schedule, a lineup that pits the Hurricanes against five teams that reached the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The slate is designed to test the squad early and provide high‑profile exposure before conference play begins.
Opening night in Tampa
Miami opens the season on Nov. 2 in Tampa against Florida, a team that edged the Hurricanes 82‑68 in their last meeting. The Gators return a strong frontcourt featuring Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, but will be without point guard Xaivian Lee, who has declared for the NBA draft.
A week later, the Hurricanes will head to Las Vegas to take part in the Players Era Tournament during Thanksgiving week. The event’s field includes Alabama, Gonzaga, St. John’s, Louisville, Tennessee, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Maryland, TCU, Oregon, Creighton, San Diego State and Kansas State, promising a packed slate of high‑stakes games.
Home games and a Texas homecoming
Back on campus, Miami will host five games at the Watsco Center against Wagner, North Florida, North Alabama, Rider and Manhattan. The schedule also includes a road test at Houston’s Toyota Center on Dec. 12, a homecoming game for Jai Lucas and sophomore Shelton Henderson, who will both be looking to make an early impact.
The Hurricanes are slated to face Alabama on Dec. 2 as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge, and could play a fourth contest on Nov. 28 if they advance to the tournament’s overall championship game. The non‑conference slate wraps up with matchups against Alcorn State on Dec. 16 and USC Upstate on Dec. 21 before the team dives into ACC competition.
Key storylines
Miami’s frontcourt returns intact, but the team must replace its primary point guard after Lee’s departure. The new backcourt will be tasked with orchestrating an offense that features the same three‑player frontcourt that helped the Gators reach the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the homecoming appearance of Jai Lucas and Shelton Henderson adds a narrative of local talent returning to the program.