Middle Tennessee State University’s women’s basketball program revealed its non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 season on Tuesday, outlining a challenging early schedule that pits the Blue Raiders against several Power Five opponents.
The first two contests will be played on campus, with a home opener against Saint Louis on November 2 followed by a meeting with Memphis on November 6, giving the team a chance to build momentum in front of its own fans.
Road tests soon follow, beginning with a trip to Knoxville to meet the University of Tennessee on November 12, then a home clash with Tennessee Tech on November 16, before the squad travels to Auburn on November 20 for another SEC showdown.
Tournament road trips
The Raiders will compete in the Jacksonville Classic in Florida, where they are slated to face two unknown opponents on November 23 and 25, and later participate in the Cherokee Invitational in North Carolina, meeting Tulsa on December 20 and South Florida on December 21.
Head Coach Matt Insell said the demanding slate is intended to accelerate the team’s growth, noting that early‑season challenges are essential for establishing standards and preparing the roster for the rigors of conference play.
Balancing the schedule with a mix of home and away games, the Blue Raiders aim to test themselves against a variety of styles and environments, setting the stage for a competitive finish to the season.
Looking ahead
The upcoming fixtures represent more than just a calendar; they are a deliberate strategy to forge resilience and cohesion before the grind of the regular season, positioning the program for a strong finish as it moves toward conference play.