Season Opener and Early Non‑Conference Tests
The 2026‑27 campaign kicks off in early October with back‑to‑back road games against Michigan Tech in Houghton, Michigan, followed by a home-and‑home series with Minnesota Duluth in Duluth. These opening contests set the tone for Brett Larson’s inaugural season as head coach, blending familiar rivals with fresh challenges.
After the initial road stretch, the Gophers return to Minneapolis for a trio of home games against North Dakota and Penn State in late October. The schedule then shifts to a series of away trips that will take the team across the Midwest and Great Lakes region, testing depth and resilience.
Mid‑season action features a stretch of non‑conference road games that includes stops at Notre Dame, Michigan State, Ohio State and a visit from Wisconsin. Each series is spaced to allow the team to adjust to different arenas and playing styles, while maintaining momentum built during the early home games.
January brings a mix of exhibition and conference play, highlighted by a matchup against Bemidji State and a high‑profile series with Michigan at 3M Arena at Mariucci. The Gophers also travel to Columbus to face Ohio State and host a home series against Michigan State later in the month, underscoring the competitive balance of the schedule.
The final stretch culminates with a road trip to Ann Arbor in late February, where the team will close out the regular season against Michigan. The schedule reflects a deliberate blend of home‑court advantage and challenging away environments, providing a comprehensive test for Larson’s newly assembled roster.