
Duke’s 2026‑27 Non‑Conference Basketball Schedule Packed with Powerhouses
Duke’s upcoming non‑conference slate features top‑ranked opponents UConn, Illinois and Florida, each bringing back key players and promising intense competition.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Todd Golden across Basketball, Football.

Duke’s upcoming non‑conference slate features top‑ranked opponents UConn, Illinois and Florida, each bringing back key players and promising intense competition.

The University of Florida announced the jersey numbers that its men’s basketball team will wear during the 2026‑27 season, a list that blends continuity with fresh faces as the program looks to defend its status as a national title contender.

The University of Florida announced the jersey numbers that its men’s basketball squad will wear during the 2026‑27 campaign, revealing a blend of continuity and fresh faces as the team looks to translate preseason hype into a title run.

The Gators retain key talent, earn the top overall seed, and open the season against Miami in Tampa.

Duke's deep roster, anchored by top returners and bolstered by experienced coaching, positions the Blue Devils as contenders for a deep March run.

Duke's roster retains key players like Patrick Ngongba, Cayden Boozer and Dame Sarr, while adding high‑profile recruits and benefiting from strong coaching continuity, positioning the Blue Devils among the nation's elite.

Dan Hurley attended the UFC Freedom 250 celebration on the White House South Lawn, sharing the moment with a roster of high‑profile guests and documenting the experience on social media.

UConn’s head coach Dan Hurley was among the high‑profile guests on the White House lawn for a UFC‑styled celebration of Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The event featured a technical knockout loss for Alex Pereira and a gathering that blended political pageantry with combat‑sport spectacle.

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley attended a UFC event on the White House lawn, captured the fight on Instagram, and reflected on his long‑time fandom.

On a historic evening that coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, UConn’s Dan Hurley attended a UFC event on the White House lawn, posting a ringside video and posing with staff member Eloise Denker while Alex Pereira headlined the co‑main event.

Florida will open against Miami in Tampa, travel to Orlando for a first‑time showdown with Georgia Tech, and test themselves against Duke, Florida State and a Vegas tournament that includes Notre Dame.

Thomas Haugh, a key player for the Florida Gators, has chosen to return for his senior season, citing family, teammate support, and a chance at a national championship. His decision reshapes the roster and ignites excitement across the program.

The university’s unprecedented financial commitment, administered by Florida Victorious, aims to attract top talent for both the football and men’s basketball teams.

Returning starters, a top‑ranked rebounding unit and key perimeter shooters set the stage for a championship run, though improving outside shooting remains the critical challenge.

Duke’s non‑conference slate features three Final Four teams from last season and a pivotal showdown at Florida’s Exactech Arena, a game that could define the Blue Devils’ tournament seed

Athletic director Scott Stricklin has made two high‑profile hires — Todd Golden for men’s basketball and Jon Sumrall for football — hoping to build on recent championships and recruiting momentum.
Thomas Haugh weighed a potential exit from Florida against NBA advice, family input, and financial considerations before deciding to stay and chase a title with the Gators.
After a disappointing NCAA Tournament loss, Thomas Haugh considered leaving Florida but ultimately decided to return, citing family influence, a lucrative NIL deal, and a pivotal conversation with NBA All‑Star Draymond Green.
Thomas Haugh weighed his future after Florida's tournament loss, talked with Draymond Green, considered his mother's advice, and ultimately decided to return for his senior year, driven by a lucrative NIL deal and a championship ambition.

The Gators open summer camp with a 10‑player roster that includes last season’s SEC champions, a transfer who helped win the 2025 NCAA title, and a Slovenian freshman, all under coach Todd Golden’s merit‑based philosophy.

Under Todd Golden, the University of Florida has turned its basketball program into a premier pipeline for NBA talent, producing multiple draft picks and attracting top prospects who choose to develop in Gainesville.

Florida's program under Todd Golden has become a top destination for NBA development, producing recent draftees and fostering a pipeline that could rival historic classes.

Duke will meet Florida in the 2026 ACC/SEC Challenge in Gainesville, a matchup that pits the Blue Devils’ stout defense against the Gators’ elite frontcourt and tests Duke’s road performance

Duke’s non‑conference slate features marquee matchups that could shape its NCAA title hopes.