Missouri’s men’s basketball program is set to face a markedly tougher non‑conference slate this coming season, a shift that reflects Coach Dennis Gates’ growing ambition to elevate the Tigers on the national stage.
Over his first four years at the helm, Gates has traditionally scheduled softer opponents, but the 2025‑26 schedule introduces a series of high‑profile matchups that include Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Saint Louis, Marquette and an exhibition against UNLV.
Key Matchups to Watch
The new slate also features a home game against Pittsburgh as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge, a neutral‑site clash with Saint Louis at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis – the first meeting between the two in‑state rivals in 25 years – and a trip to Chicago for the 2026 Legends Classic against Marquette.
Perhaps the most intriguing element is the return to Kansas City to meet Nebraska, a program that has risen under Fred Hoiberg to become a national contender after securing its first NCAA Tournament victory in March.
That game will mark the first meeting between the two schools since 2011, when both were members of the Big 12 Conference, adding a nostalgic layer to a contest that could boost Missouri’s NET ranking.
The tougher schedule is widely viewed as a strategic move to improve the team’s NET ranking, a metric that has become a gateway to the NCAA Tournament, while also providing a national platform for freshman phenom Jason Crowe Jr., who is expected to draw additional exposure.
An exhibition game against UNLV in Las Vegas will round out the non‑conference slate, offering the Tigers a chance to test new lineups in a high‑energy environment before the regular season begins.
Overall, the revamped schedule underscores a bold approach by Gates and his staff, aiming to blend competitive challenges with opportunities for player development and program visibility.