Wichita State University’s men’s basketball program has locked in a two‑year home‑and‑home series with the University of New Mexico, setting up matchups for the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 seasons. The first game is scheduled for Nov. 21, 2026, at Charles Koch Arena, with the return trip to Albuquerque slated for the following year.
A Renewed Rivalry
The series adds a fresh chapter to a rivalry that last intersected in Las Vegas on Nov. 22, 2006. New Mexico currently holds a 3‑2 edge, having won the last three meetings. The upcoming games will mark the first time the two programs have faced off in Wichita since 1958, when the Shockers posted an 81‑53 victory.
Both teams enter the series with strong recent performances. New Mexico finished the 2025‑26 season at 26‑11, advancing to the NIT semifinals and earning a final NET ranking of No. 46. Wichita State, under head coach Paul Mills, posted a 24‑win season and secured its second consecutive postseason berth, with expectations of an even stronger 2026‑27 roster featuring ten returning players.
Coaching Perspectives
Eric Olen, in his second year as head coach of New Mexico, will guide a Lobos squad that continues to climb the national rankings. Across town, Paul Mills is entering his fourth season at the helm of Wichita State, a tenure marked by a steady increase in win totals each year. Both coaches see the series as an opportunity to test their teams against high‑level competition early in the schedule.
The scheduled opponents include two Top‑60 NET teams this season: New Mexico (No. 46) and Boise State (No. 60). This slate not only raises the profile of the Shockers’ non‑conference slate but also provides a rigorous test as the team integrates its returning core.
Looking Ahead
Fans can anticipate a competitive atmosphere in Charles Koch Arena as the Shockers welcome the Lobos, while the subsequent trip to Albuquerque promises a test of resilience on the road. With both programs poised for growth, the series is set to be a highlight of the early college basketball calendar.