Memphis' non-conference basketball schedule is very hard

MEMPHIS, Texas – A powerhouse non-conference schedule was released Monday by the Memphis men's basketball program, which featured 14 games against high-profile competition.

The schedule boasts an average opponent NET of 96.7, based on the final 2025-26 rankings, and adds to head coach Penny Hardaway's long-standing philosophy of playing elite opponents. The Tigers will face six Power 4 opponents, adding to a legacy where Hardaway holds a 21-10 career record against Power 4 competition at Memphis.

Gabe Kuhn previewed the schedule on Monday's (8/10) GK Show on 92.9 FM ESPN.

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The schedule is highlighted by marquee matchups against Iowa State, Vanderbilt, Baylor, Texas, a home game against Louisville, a trip to the Bahamas where the Tigers open with Wake Forest, and a clash against Dayton designated as part of the A10/American Challenge at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

The season begins Monday, Nov. 2 in a neutral-site matchup against Iowa State in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Cyclones finished No. 7 in the NET last year after a 29-8 season and a trip to the Sweet 16.

The home opener is set for Saturday, Nov. 7 when Memphis welcomes VCU to FedExForum. The Tigers will also play home games against Louisville (Nov. 15), Evansville (Nov. 22), Jackson State (Dec. 2), Grand Canyon (Dec. 11), Little Rock (Dec. 22) and Utah State (Feb. 20).

Memphis will test itself on the road with a demanding trio of hostile environments against Power 4 opponents: traveling to face Vanderbilt (Nov. 10), Baylor (Dec. 5) and Texas (Dec. 16). The Tigers will also compete in the Battle 4 Atlantis, opening against Wake Forest (Nov. 25), alongside the previously mentioned neutral-site showdown against Dayton (Nov. 29) in the A10/American Showcase at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Prior to the regular season tip-off, Memphis will tune up with exhibition games on the road against Mississippi State (Oct. 23) and Arkansas (Oct. 28).

Game times and television designations will be announced at a later date.

Season tickets for the 2026-27 Memphis men's basketball season are on sale now and can be purchased here. Tickets can also be purchased in the True Tiger Zone – general admission seating located in the lower levels of sections 109 and 110, between rows J-T.

Full coverage of the Memphis Tigers live on 92.9 FM ESPN, Memphis' Sports Station