A demanding non‑conference slate
Middle Tennessee State University's men's basketball team will open its 2026 non‑conference schedule with a high‑profile contest against Auburn in Huntsville on December 15, 2026, as part of the Rocket City Classic, which will be held at Propst Arena, the home of the Conference USA Tournament.
Coach Nick McDevitt said he feels honored to bring the Blue Raiders into such a celebrated event and believes the matchup will serve as valuable preparation as the team eyes a conference title chase.
Auburn arrives as the second non‑conference opponent announced by MTSU, with Kansas having been the first. The two programs will meet for the first time in 26 years on November 6, 2026, at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.
The Blue Raiders have a tradition of scheduling tough non‑conference opponents, having previously faced Houston and Michigan in recent seasons, a strategy that tests the team early and builds resilience.
Auburn, coached by Steve Pearl, finished the 2025‑26 season with a 22‑16 record and captured the National Invitation Tournament championship over Tulsa, giving the upcoming game added intrigue.
The series history favors Auburn, which holds a 4‑1 edge over MTSU, with the last meeting occurring during the 2017‑18 season. The remainder of MTSU's non‑conference opponents will be revealed at a later date.