The University of Minnesota announced its 2026‑27 men’s and women’s basketball schedules, confirming home games against St. Thomas on Nov. 6 for the men and Dec. 1 for the women.
A historic series returns
For the Gophers, the matchups mark the first time they will face the Tommies since 1934 and the first meeting since St. Thomas transitioned to Division I in 2021. The women’s teams will also meet for the first time, adding another layer of intrigue to the season.
Niko Medved, head coach of the men’s team, said he is eager to see his squad test itself against a program that has been a longtime Division III rival. “We’re excited to showcase basketball in the Twin Cities and to give our fans a fresh storyline,” Medved said.
Dawn Plitzuweit, now in her fourth year leading the women’s program, echoed the sentiment, noting that the new matchup aligns with the team’s recent surge to the Sweet 16 and its three‑year streak of 20‑win seasons.
Both rosters are shaping up with a blend of returning talent and new additions. The men’s team will bring back Jaylen Crocker‑Johnson, Isaac Asuma, Bobby Durkin and Grayson Grove, while welcoming portal players Kyan Evans, Winters Grady, Nolan Groves, Malick Kordel and Malachi Palmer. Five freshmen — Nolen Anderson, Cedric Tomes, Chadrack Mpoyi and Blake Nixon — are also set to join the roster.
The women’s squad will retain All‑Big Ten selections Mara Braun, Tori McKinney and Grace Grocholski and add transfers Tayla Thomas, Leah Harmon and Gracie Merkle, alongside freshmen Tori Oehrlein, Kylee Paben, Natalie Kussow and Adit Kuol.
Minnesota’s athletic department highlighted the significance of the games for the local community, emphasizing that the matchups will be played in the Twin Cities’ iconic arenas and will be streamed across the university’s digital platforms.