Gophers officially unveil much stronger nonconference schedule for 2026-27

The Gophers men’s basketball team has put together a stronger nonconference schedule in year two of the Niko Medved era, presenting some opportunities for resume-building victories before Big Ten play begins. The full slate was officially unveiled on Friday.

Preseason/exhibitions

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Nonconference schedule

(Barttovik ranks of each opponent in parentheses)

Teams are allowed to schedule an extra nonconference game this season for a 32-game regular-season schedule. The Gophers have taken full advantage, and they will have arguably their best nonconference schedule since the 2019-20 season.

Nov. 2: vs. North Dakota (318)

Minnesota will open its regular season against the Fighting Hawks from Grand Forks. North Dakota has been ravaged by the transfer portal over the last few seasons. Paul Sather is one of the most underrated head coaches at the mid-major level, so you can never overlook his teams.

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Nov. 6: vs. St. Thomas (152)

The Gophers will finally play the only other Division I program in the state for the first time since St. Thomas made the jump from Division III before the 2021-22 season. Sharpshooting big man Carter Bjerke will lead a new-look Tommies team that was also ravaged by injuries. This should be a fun one at the Barn.

Nov. 9: @ Cincinnati (39)

Minnesota’s toughest nonconference matchup by most metrics will be a road trip to Cincinnati. First-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun will have a chance to get to the NCAA Tournament, and there’s a good chance that Minnesota will have the opportunity to earn a marquee Quad 1 win against the Bearcats.

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Nov. 12 vs. Southern U. (344)

Southern is a quality program in the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC), but there’s a ginormous gap in resources compared to the Big Ten. Minnesota will be heavily favored to take care of the Jaguars in a guaranteed Quad 4 game.

Nov. 16 vs. Western Illinois (331)

Western Illinois moved from the Summit League to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) before the 2023-24 season. The…

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Publish date : 2026-08-28 20:28:00

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