The University of Minnesota has revealed the first six opponents that will dot its non‑conference slate for the upcoming basketball season, a schedule that will ultimately stretch to at least 32 games.
Early non‑conference matchups
The first announced contest pits the Gophers against North Dakota, a program that finished last season with a 18‑17 record and a KenPom ranking of 279. The Fighting Hawks also boast Jayden Moore, a standout from Minnesota’s high school ranks who will be looking to make an impact against his home state.
Another scheduled game sees Minnesota travel to face Southern, which went 17‑17 a year ago and finished second in the SWAC. The 277th‑ranked squad in KenPom brings a gritty style that could test Minnesota’s depth early in the year.
Western Illinois rounds out the announced slate after a challenging 5‑26 campaign that included just two victories over Division I opponents. Their 364th‑out‑of‑365 KenPom placement underscores a rebuilding phase for the Leathernecks.
The Charleston Classic and beyond
Beyond the three individual matchups, Minnesota will also take part in the Charleston Classic, a neutral‑site tournament that will feature teams such as Dayton, Virginia Tech, Utah and Oklahoma State. Each of those programs brings a distinct profile: Dayton entered the previous season at 25‑10 and 68th in KenPom, Virginia Tech sat at 60th, Utah finished 10‑22 and 122nd, while Oklahoma State posted 20 wins and ranked 79th.
Utah’s roster includes Taison Chatman, a product of Totino‑Grace who signed with the Utes for the upcoming year, adding a local flavor to the Gophers’ out‑of‑state schedule. The mix of mid‑major programs and traditional powerhouses suggests Minnesota is curating a diverse set of opponents to sharpen its lineup before conference play.
With five additional non‑conference games still to be announced, the Gophers’ coaching staff hints at a deliberate approach that balances competitive challenges with developmental opportunities. The upcoming schedule, once fully revealed, should provide a clearer picture of how Minnesota intends to position itself heading into Big Ten competition.