Valparaiso University has released its 2026‑27 men’s basketball non‑conference schedule, a slate that blends home‑court excitement with challenging road trips under head coach Roger Powell Jr.
The roster features a mix of experience and fresh talent, with six scholarship‑earning returnees joined by eight newcomers eager to make an impact.
Home Opener and Early Road Tests
The season opens on November 2 with a home showdown against Western Illinois, the 59th meeting in program history, setting the tone for a campaign that will also see the Beacons travel to Purdue and South Dakota State before the month ends.
Valpo will host six non‑conference games at the Athletics Center, welcoming CCSJ on November 16, Toledo on November 28, Saint Xavier on December 8, Chicago State on December 12 and SIUE on December 18.
On the road, the Beacons are slated to test themselves against three powerhouses: a November 6 trip to Purdue, a November 11 visit to South Dakota State and a December 5 contest at UNCW, a venue they previously fell to 73‑70 in 2025.
Neutral‑Site Showcase in Pensacola
A multi‑team event in Pensacola, Florida, will bring Troy and Southern Miss to the Beacons’ schedule in late November, marking the first neutral‑site competition of the Powell era and adding new opponents to the mix.
The matchup with Troy will be the eighth meeting since 2009, while the game against Southern Miss will be the program’s inaugural encounter, underscoring the schedule’s blend of tradition and novelty.
Beyond the lineup, the early season has already delivered promise, as the team posted strong performances at the Baha Mar Summer League in the Caribbean and secured its highest Missouri Valley Conference win total since joining the league.
Fans can look forward to a season that builds on that momentum, with each game designed to test depth, foster growth and keep the Beacons competitive on the national stage.