On September 7, 2026, the University of Virginia men’s basketball program unveiled its 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule, a 13‑game slate that blends early‑season home contests with high‑profile road matchups.
The campaign opens on November 3 with a home game against Drexel, followed by contests versus Northeastern on November 6 and Bucknell on November 10, all played at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, which will host a total of eight home matches during the non‑conference slate.
Early‑Season Home Opener
In the weeks preceding the regular season, the Cavaliers will also stage exhibition games versus Vanderbilt on September 27, Richmond on October 9, and Villanova on October 22, providing valuable preparation before the official start.
Key Non‑Conference Showdowns
A marquee highlight arrives on November 8 when Virginia travels to Washington, D.C. to face Arkansas at Capital One Arena, before returning home to host Maryland on November 13. The most anticipated showdown comes on December 2 as the Cavaliers host Kentucky in the SEC/ACC Challenge, a coveted inter‑conference clash that pits two historic programs against each other. Later, on December 20, the team will face UConn at Madison Square Garden in New York, adding another notable non‑conference test. Thanksgiving week offers a unique travel element, with Virginia heading to the Bahamas for games against Marquette on November 25 and Xavier on November 27, expanding the schedule beyond the continental United States.
Meanwhile, the ACC’s 18‑game slate is expected to be announced on September 9 at 2 p.m., a development that will further shape the Cavaliers’ conference outlook and set the stage for the upcoming season.