Missouri’s men’s basketball program has unveiled its non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 season, a schedule that features three distinct opponents before the Tigers step into SEC competition. The slate was announced on Tuesday and is designed to provide early tests that will shape the team’s rhythm and depth.
The first matchup arrives on November 24, 2026, when the Tigers travel to face Evansville. Under head coach David Ragland, the Purple Aces are coming off a 7‑25 season in the Missouri Valley Conference and are looking to rebound with a revamped roster.
Evansville’s bounce‑back attempt
Returning standouts such as AJ Casey, who averaged 13.5 points and 5.9 rebounds last year, give the team a foundation, while transfers Gustav Winther from Northern Illinois, Max Langenfeld from Florida Atlantic and Makuei Riek from Salt Lake Community College add depth and experience. The blend of returning talent and new arrivals aims to lift the program out of its recent struggles.
Arkansas‑Pine Bluff’s Golden Lions, guided by head coach Solomon Bozeman, are entering the season after posting their first winning record since 2018‑19, finishing 13‑19 overall. The team will rely on returning transfers CJ Smith, who redshirted at Oklahoma State before playing at UTEP, and Cedric Dixon, a sharpshooter who hit 39.6% from three‑point range at Independence Community College.
Mizzou’s last meeting with Arkansas‑Pine Bluff ended in a 112‑63 victory on November 24, 2024, a result that adds a layer of motivation for the Tigers as they prepare for another encounter.
Chicago State’s upward trajectory
Coached by Landon Bussie, Chicago State is in its third year in the Northeast Conference and second under Bussie’s leadership. The Cougars improved to a 5‑5 regular‑season record last year and finished 7‑25 overall. This season they return starters Malek Robinson and Chauncey Gibson while welcoming transfers Armari Carraway from Charleston Southern, Will Lovings‑Watts from James Madison and Davius Loury from Cal State Northridge. Additional additions include Marcel Bryant from Prairie View A&M, all aimed at climbing out of a 5‑13 league record.
Together, these non‑conference opponents provide a varied testing ground for Missouri’s squad, blending seasoned coaches, returning veterans and promising newcomers. The early games will be crucial in fine‑tuning strategies and building momentum as the Tigers head toward SEC play.