Miami basketball's non-conference schedule is a massive step up in competition

Miami revealed its 2026-27 non-conference basketball schedule, and after building a 26-9 turnaround last season, Jai Lucas wants his team tested early.

The 14-game slate includes at least five teams that reached the 2026 NCAA Tournament, plus a trip to one of the sport's best early-season events.

Miami faces challenges in its 2026-27 non-conference schedule

The season opens on Nov. 2 in Tampa against Florida, the same team that beat Miami 82-68 the last time these two met. Florida brings back its front court of Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, though the Gators will need a new answer at point guard after Xaivian Lee left for the NBA. This will be the second straight season Miami and Florida have met in a non-conference game.

After five home games at the Watsco Center against Wagner, North Florida, North Alabama, Rider and Manhattan, Miami heads to Las Vegas for the Players Era Tournament over Thanksgiving week.

The Players Era field includes Alabama, Gonzaga, St. John's, Louisville, Tennessee, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Maryland, TCU, Oregon, Creighton, San Diego State and Kansas State, none of which Miami played a season ago.

The Hurricanes open against TCU on Nov. 24, with a win setting up a matchup against the winner of Creighton and Michigan two days later, followed by a placement game on Nov. 27. Miami could play a fourth game on Nov. 28 if it wins its side of the bracket and reaches the overall Players Era 16 championship game.

Miami comes home to host Alabama on Dec. 2 as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge.

Stetson follows on Dec. 5 before a Dec. 12 matchup with Texas at Houston's Toyota Center that doubles as a homecoming game for Lucas and sophomore Shelton Henderson, both Texas natives.

Alcorn State (Dec. 16) and USC Upstate (Dec. 21) close out the non-conference slate before ACC play begins.

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