The 2026 college basketball season will open with a marquee matchup at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Murray State University and Tennessee State University will meet on November 2. The game is the centerpiece of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, a slate of mid‑major contests designed to kick off the year with high‑stakes competition.
A renewed rivalry
Murray State holds a 58‑17 all‑time series lead over Tennessee State, including an eight‑game winning streak from 2017 through 2022. The upcoming contest adds another chapter to a rivalry that dates back decades, drawing attention from fans of both programs and from neutral observers eager to see how the historic dynamic plays out in a neutral venue.
Coaches shaping the narrative
Ryan Miller, who guided Murray State to a 20‑win season in 2025, returns for his second year at the helm. His experience and the team’s recent success position the Racers as contenders right out of the gate. Across the court, Nolan Smith, now in his second season at Tennessee State, looks to build on the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1995, a milestone achieved during the 2025‑26 campaign.
The marathon’s mid‑major focus
The Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon features a curated selection of mid‑major programs, offering them a national platform before the traditional powerhouses take the floor. By staging these games in a single venue, the marathon amplifies exposure for smaller conferences and creates a festive atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of a college‑basketball holiday.