The Rockets' 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule was unveiled this week, highlighting a series of road games that will test the team against some of the nation's elite programs. In addition to Michigan and Michigan State, Toledo will also travel to face Arkansas State, Marshall and a host of other opponents who finished the previous season with winning records.
A Historic Non‑Conference Challenge
Every team on the slate posted a .500 or better record last year, and six of them finished first or second in their respective conferences. The combined record of the opponents stands at 199‑105, marking the toughest non‑conference slate in program history.
Coach Tod Kowalczyk emphasized the significance of these matchups, stating that confronting Michigan and Michigan State will be a major test for the Rockets and an opportunity to measure the team against top‑tier talent.
The Rockets enter the new season riding a streak of nine consecutive winning campaigns and have captured five Mid‑American Conference titles under Kowalczyk's leadership. Their most recent run included a MAC Championship Game appearance after securing a top‑four seed for the sixth straight year.
Road Tests and Home Games
The schedule features early road trips, beginning with a Nov. 2 contest at Arkansas State, followed by a Nov. 5 showdown at Michigan State and a Nov. 7 away game at Marshall. Additional road contests include a Nov. 14 game at Detroit Mercy and a Nov. 28 trip to Valparaiso.
Home games will be hosted at Savage Arena, with a Feb. 6 matchup against a MAC‑SBC Challenge opponent serving as a highlight of the remaining non‑conference schedule. The Rockets will also welcome Wright State on Nov. 10 before heading out for games at Oakland on Dec. 16 and Michigan on Dec. 30.
The full slate reflects a deliberate effort to prepare the team for the rigors of conference play, offering a blend of high‑profile road tests and carefully selected home contests.