The 2026-27 college basketball season kicks off Nov. 1! These are the 100 most important games to watch.
*NOTE: This does not include potential matchups in early-season MTEs and tournaments.
1. Notre Dame vs. Villanova – Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. in Rome, Italy
How cool is it that we get to open the college basketball season in Rome? Two leading Catholic schools take the floor in Notre Dame and Villanova. Should be a spectacle.
2. Liberty vs. High Point – Nov. 2 at 12 a.m. in Rock Hill, S.C.
The Field of 68 stepped up to the plate to deliver a long lost tradition of a college hoops marathon. Not every game is must-watch, unless you’re a die-hard, but Liberty and High Point are two of the best mid-major programs out there. Plus, with a midnight start, it’s more than watchable.
3. Florida vs. Miami (Fla) – Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. in Tampa, FL
Florida and Miami are both inside the top 15 of the AP Poll to start the season, so an in-state rivalry has big resume building opportunities on the first full day of the season.
4. Gonzaga vs. Purdue – Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Las Vegas, NV
You have to love when all-time programs challenge each other right off the bat. Plus, with this game in Vegas, the chips are higher!
5. Ohio State vs. BYU – Nov. 2 at 9 p.m. in Salt Lake City, UT
BYU isn’t technically at home, although, they are in their home state, playing their first game without stud AJ Dybantsa. But now the name to know is Bruce Branch III. He’ll look to help the Cougars pick up a win over an Ohio State team poised to be a contender in the Big Ten.
6. Arizona vs. UCLA – Nov. 2 at 10 p.m. in Las Vegas, NV
Two former Pac-12 rivals square off in Vegas to cap off an amazing full day of college basketball. It’s the perfect end to a jam-packed Monday of hoops.
7. Penn at Illinois – Nov. 5 at 8:30 p.m.
After a few days of buy games, this one stands out. Ivy League star TJ Power returned to Penn and head coach Fran McCaffery knows all about the Fighting Illini. I’m not calling upset, but I’m circling it as a game to pay some attention to.
8. Missouri at Saint Louis – Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.
This year, we should consider Mizzou and SLU rivals. Dennis Gates has the Tigers with potential and the Billikens are many people’s choice to win the Atlantic 10.
9. UConn vs. Michigan – Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. in Boston, MA
Fridays usually don’t have great games like this so soak in a rematch of last year’s National Championship as much as possible.
10. Providence vs. Nebraska – Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in Uncasville, CT
The first Saturday in college basketball this season is a fairly light one, but Providence and Nebraska should draw some eyes. Remember, the Friars have a new head coach in Bryan Hodgson, and Nebraska is a borderline basketball school now.
11. Maryland at Georgetown – Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
When the Terps and Hoyas play, it deserves some attention! Buzz Williams is looking for a much better year two in town and Ed Cooley is kind of on the hot seat. Gotta win these games when the pressure is on.
12. Princeton at Siena – Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.
I like to sprinkle in a solid mid-major game when I can and given this is Siena’s first challenge post-Gerry McNamara, it’s worthy of a mention. Plus, the Tigers have long been a contender in the Ivy League and we all should be well-versed on that conference come March Madness.
13. Virginia vs. Arkansas – Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. in Washington D.C.
Who needs NFL games on a Sunday at 1 when you’ve got Ryan Odom and Virginia meeting John Calipari and Arkansas.
14. Saint Mary’s vs. Nevada – Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. in Lake Tahoe, NV
Randy Bennett is no longer with Saint Mary’s which makes an early challenge against Nevada an intriguing game to watch. Also, it’s Steve Alford’s last season as a head coach, so the retirement tour watch should be a fun one.
15. Syracuse vs. Indiana – Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Indianapolis, IN
For the old heads out there, remember 1987? Keith Smart hit a game-winner to take down Syracuse in the title game. Now, the two historic programs meet in Indy in an early season clash.
16. Illinois State at Purdue – Nov. 9 at 8:30 p.m.
Last year, Illinois State was a preseason favorite, but didn’t have the season we expected them to. However, most of last year’s team is back and they did finish somewhat hot, losing to Auburn in the NIT finals. An early test against Purdue should be a good game.
17. Florida at Florida State – Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.
Florida’s taking on all of the in-state schools! This one, they’ll be the away team, as the Noles are at home looking to pull off a big upset. For how fun the early season MTEs are, these rivalry games are still peak non-conference college basketball.
18. Duke vs. Michigan State – Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in Chicago, IL
This year, the Champions Classic is in Chicago, and the best game is the first one. Duke and Michigan State are both clear Final Four favorites and will both look to showcase that in an early-season outing.
19. Memphis at Vanderbilt – Nov. 10 at 7:15 p.m.
It’s a make-or-break year for Penny Hardaway and this season, Vanderbilt might have more attention. The Commodores have Tyler Tanner, who is arguably the best point guard in the country. It’s an in-state rivalry and it’s just an all-around great game.
20. Illinois at Texas Tech – Nov. 10 at 8 p.m.
On a night where the Champions Classic is being played, Illinois and Texas Tech decides to play a regular game out in Lubbock. That’s just great for the game and a great, great game to watch.
21. Yale at Baylor – Nov. 10 at 8 p.m.
“How did Yale outrebound Baylor?” It was a postgame question that raised eyebrows and got turned into a social media clip that gets brought up every March Madness. And 10 years later, the Bulldogs and Bears will meet again, this time in Waco.
22. Kansas vs. Kentucky – Nov. 10 at 9:30 p.m. in Chicago, IL
One more game on Nov. 10 and it’s the second in the Champions Classic. Kansas and Kentucky – two historic programs looking for one big early season win.
23. Marquette at Michigan – Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.
Two Elite Midwest college basketball programs are the encore to the perfect Tuesday in college hoops. Gotta love this game falling where it does to keep the momentum going.
24. Pitt at Butler – Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
It’s not a game I’ll write home about, but it his Butler’s first key matchup, and the first big one of new head coach’s Ronald Nored’s career.
25. Georgia at North Carolina – Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.
Georgia could be better than people think and Blue Cain is a fun player to watch. Plus, year one of Michael Malone will be must-see television nearly every game.
26. Ohio State at UConn – Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
You’ll see the Huskies on here a few times, because Dan Hurley loves to load up his non-con slate. The Buckeyes also have a tough early-season stretch if you haven’t noticed already.
27. Virginia at Maryland – Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.
This is also the second time on here for both Virginia and Maryland, two teams high on people’s radars. With this game in College Park, it also gives the Terps fans a huge home game to look forward to.
28. Seton Hall at Alabama – Nov. 13 at 9 p.m.
Shaheen Holloway is no stranger to pulling off big upsets and Alabama has one of the best guards in the country in Aden Holloway. It’s a late start, but it’s worth waiting up for.
29. Arizona at Auburn – Nov. 13 at 9 p.m.
Pick your choice why don’t you! If SHU-Bama doesn’t appeal, I bet Arizona and Auburn does. Two programs who have lived in the top 25 this past decade. And talk about two marquee games in the state of Alabama!
30. Xavier vs. Mississippi State – Nov. 13 at 9 p.m. in White Sulphur Springs, W.V.
If for whatever reason the preview two games don’t move the needle, you may enjoy watching Xavier take on Mississippi State, who may have the best pound-for-pound scorer in the country in Josh Hubbard. Is this the best 9 p.m. slate of the year?
31. Bradley vs. George Mason – Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. in St. Petersburg, FL
One day after that craziness, we get some more fun games. How about Bradley and George Mason – two elite mid-major teams facing off in St. Pete’s.
32. LSU at Gonzaga – Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Will Wade may be on hate watch, but at least everyone will be watching, right? Especially when Gonzaga is the other team on the court!
33. Cincinnati at Dayton – Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
When Ohio’s rivals get together, it’s always a fun watch. And with Anthony Grant (somehow?) on the hot seat and Jerrod Calhoun in year one, the stakes are even more than usual.
34. Louisville at Memphis – Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.
Penny Hardaway schedules as tough as any coach in the country and we see that here as Memphis takes on Louisville in a 1 p.m. game on a Sunday in November. Again, NFL Sunday has a CBB game to worry about!
35. Missouri at Marquette – Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m.
We’ll start to see some more repeats from here on out, but for two fringe-top 25 games, this is a sneaky great matchup on a Sunday afternoon.
36. High Point at Saint Louis – Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.
Arguably the two best mid-major teams and easily the two best scoring mid-major teams out there. This isn’t just a bid to get people to watch mid-major hoops. This is must-watch, regardless.
37. Baylor vs. Texas – Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. in San Antonio, TX
Scott Drew and Baylor against Sean Miller and Texas. It’s a dream matchup for fans in the great state of Texas. Plus, if Kayden Mingo emerges into the star he could be, it adds even more fuel to the fire.
38. Creighton vs. Iowa – Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. in Des Moines, IA
Alan Huss is the head coach at Creighton now and he gets an early-season clash with Iowa and Ben McCollum. Both teams may be searching for a big November win as they’ve got new looks and aren’t at the top of their conference’s preseason polls.
39. Syracuse at St. John’s – Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.
An old Big East rivalry between Syracuse and St. John’s is the nightcap of an awesome day in college basketball. Rick Pitino. Gerry McNamara. Syracuse. St. John’s. CHILLS.
40. Rutgers vs. Houston – Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. (Players Era 8)
Probably the worst matchup of the Players Era 8, Houston takes on a Rutgers team hoping to pull off an early-season upset before the grueling Big Ten schedule.
41. Florida vs. Notre Dame – Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m. (Players Era 8)
Another so-so matchup out in Vegas, Micah Shrewsberry is on his last leg in South Bend. Could a win over the mighty Gators begin to change things?
42. Illinois at Duke – Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
Two preseason top-five games in an on-campus environment. You couldn’t ask for anything more.
43. Villanova at Pitt – Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
Most people will want to watch Illinois and Duke battle, but an in-state game between Nova and Pitt may be some people’s desire. After all, it’s another old Big East game.
44. Arkansas vs. Indiana – Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in New York City, N.Y.
Both teams may be hundreds of miles from New York, but Madison Square Garden welcomes in the best of the best, no matter how far they travel. We’ll see that here as the Razorbacks and Hoosiers play a fun neutral site game.
45. Michigan State at Tennessee – Nov. 17 at 9 p.m.
If this Tuesday in college hoops hasn’t been enough for you, how about another on-campus game as Michigan State visits Tennessee.
46. Kansas vs. UNLV – Nov. 17 at 9:30 p.m. (Players Era 8)
Okay, I’ll be honest, these first round matchups in the Players Era 8 are all pretty lopsided. But maybe Josh Pastner can put together a great gameplan against the Jayhawks?
47. West Virginia vs. Auburn – Nov. 18 at 12 a.m. (Players Era 8)
The best first round game of the Players Era 8 is the last one – West Virginia and Auburn. It’s still nothing special, but Ross Hodge is building something and the Mountaineers and Tigers will look to put on a show past midnight.
48. UConn at Arizona – Nov. 18 at 9 p.m.
Most people may need to take a break after such a long day of college basketball. But how can you when UConn and Arizona play the very next night?
49. NC State vs. Murray State – Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. (Baha Mar Championship)
Roman Domon. Learn the name, if you haven’t already. He’s Murray State’s next star and he’ll take the Racers into battle against a power five team in NC State.
50. College of Charleston at Drake – Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
College of Charleston and Drake both WIN. They seem to always lose head coaches due to this, but they keep following that up with more wins. So how about two true winners playing a non-conference game in Des Moines? Sign me up!
51. Texas A&M at TCU – Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.
Another cool on-campus environment should be in Fort Worth, as TCU hosts Texas A&M. Texas and Texas Tech might get most of the early season flowers, but the offensive mind of Bucky McMillan against defensive guru Jamie Dixon is also really cool.
52. Seton Hall vs. Wisconsin – Nov. 19 at 8:30 p.m. (Baha Mar Championship)
My Pirates get another nod here simply due to a Power 5 game in an MTE setting against Wisconsin.
53. Oregon State at Oregon – Nov. 19 at 9 p.m.
This is a sneaky good game, because new Oregon State head coach Justin Joyner is coming in with a lot of spark. With Dana Altman out, it almost gives the Beavers a leg up in a rivalry that has recently been dominated by the Ducks.
54. VCU at Santa Clara – Nov. 19 at 10:30 p.m.
Two high-major squads with a lot to like here in 2026-27. I’m all in on the VCU Rams, but you can never count out Herb Sendek and Santa Clara. Great game to end the night.
55. Iowa at Xavier – Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
As we build toward feast week, we have a great day of on-campus games. Iowa and Xavier is your run-of-the-mill non-con game, but deservedly in the top 100.
56. Kentucky at Indiana – Nov. 20 at 8 p.m.
Technically, this isn’t on Indiana’s campus, and will instead be played in Indy. But it’s the Hoosiers and the Wildcats, so who really cares? This one is always awesome!
57. UCF at Vanderbilt – Nov. 20 at 8 p.m.
Dior Johnson against Tyler Tanner be the guard matchup we never knew we needed. UCF and Vanderbilt. Where else but college basketball is this all of the sudden a must-watch game?
58. New Mexico at Wichita State – Nov. 21 at TBD
Another chance to watch Jake Hall and New Mexico against Paul Mills’ best squad since coming to Wichita State.
59. Michigan at Villanova – Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
Another great on-campus game as Michigan will come into the place known as “The Finn.” Two of college basketball’s best programs that have also accounted for a trio of titles in the past decade.
60. Miami (OH) vs. UIC – Nov. 22 at Noon in Jacksonville, FL
No one likes to play Miami-OH, but UIC will in a random game in Jacksonville. The Flames have the potential to be good too, so if you want to watch a random mid-major games where both teams could play in the NCAA Tournament, here’s your chance.
61. Butler vs. Nebraska – Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. in Chicago, IL
If all goes well for Butler early on, this could be another great game, as the Bulldogs will play Nebraska, who may have replaced them as America’s Midwest darling.
62. McNeese at Texas State – Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Just like Miami, most teams are afraid of playing McNeese. Texas State is not, so this automatically becomes a good game to watch. Larry Johnson is one of the best scorers in the nation and Texas State could be a contender in the Sun Belt.
63. Ole Miss vs. Clemson – Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m. (Maui Invitational)
Two football schools meet in the Maui Invitational in basketball. Both could be tournament teams, so there’s no shame in getting a little hyped about these schools meeting on the hardwood.
64. Yale vs. Belmont – Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. (ESPN Events Invitational)
I promise I’m not obsessed with Yale, they just put together a fun non-conference schedule. Here they’ll play a Belmont Bruins team that got destroyed by Duke. But doesn’t everyone? The Bruins have won 20+ games for 16 straight seasons – although they’ll do it with a new coach as Casey Alexander left for Kansas State.
65. BYU vs. Washington – Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. (Maui Invitational)
The Maui has done a good job with creating compelling first round matchups and this one sees two Power 5 programs from the West. BYU has the potential to be great and Danny Sprinkle is on the hot seat at Washington.
66. VCU vs. Providence – Nov. 23 at 9 p.m. (Maui Invitational)
Any chance I can watch VCU, I’ll take it. When that means taking on the Friars in Maui, I’ll gladly run with that opportunity.
67. Arizona vs. Colorado State – Nov. 23 at 11:30 p.m. (Maui Invitational)
Colorado State lost by double-digits to San Diego in an exhibition game which scares me, but Ali Farokhmanesh seems to be a good choice at head coach for the Rams. He’ll look to lead them to a huge upset over Arizona in the Maui nightcap.
68. Oklahoma vs. Pitt – Nov. 24 at 1:30 p.m. (Fort Myers Tip-Off)
Two coaches – Porter Moser and Jeff Capel – on the hot seat as much as anyone. A November game that could mean a lot more than you think later on in March.
69. Tennessee vs. Maryland – Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. (Players Era 16)
The Ja’Kobi Gillespie game (even if he’s not there anymore)! Maryland put together as hard of a non-con slate as you could imagine and Tennessee looks to start their Players Era 16 tournament with an opening round win.
70. Miami (Fla) vs. TCU – Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. (Players Era 16)
The Players Era 16 may not be everyone’s favorite, but at least it gives us some crazy good games over Thanksgiving week. This isn’t one of the better ones, but don’t be surprised if the Canes and Horned Frogs put on a better show than you might think.
71. Tulsa vs. Illinois State – Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m. (Acrisure Series)
Eric Konkol is building something at Tulsa and we’ll get to see that when the Golden Hurricane play Illinois State in a great mid-major showdown.
72. Michigan vs. Creighton – Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. (Players Era 16)
Michigan’s gauntlet of a non-con continues on with Creighton in their first game in the Players Era 16.
73. Iowa State vs. San Diego State – Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. (Players Era 16)
San Diego State doesn’t have the hype about them that they usually do, which should be scary, because that’s when the Aztecs always seem to strike. They’ll take on an Iowa State team poised to be a top team in the Big 12.
74. Vanderbilt at Ohio State – Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.
How blessed are we, in the middle of Feast Week, to have this on-campus showdown in Columbus? Just an awesome break in between the Players Era.
75. Louisville vs. Texas Tech – Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. (Players Era 16)
In my opinion, this is the best first round game in the Players Era 16. Two preseason top 25 teams and we could realistically see this in the Sweet 16 later on in March.
76. UNC Greensboro at UC Santa Barbara – Nov. 24 at 9 p.m.
On a day where the Players Era dominates, how about some love for just a really good mid-major clash? Two programs with winning traditions in case you had enough of the top dogs.
77. Grand Canyon vs. Saint Louis – Nov. 24 at 9:30 p.m. (Acrisure Series)
If UNCG and UCSB just doesn’t do it for you, I bet Grand Canyon and Saint Louis will. Both teams will be fighting to make it to March Madness and a win here could go a long way toward that.
78. Alabama vs. Baylor – Nov. 24 at 10 p.m. (Players Era 16)
Back to the Players Era! Alabama and Baylor is another awesome first round game between two teams poised to be playing in March Madness.
79. St. John’s vs. Oregon – Nov. 24 at 10:30 p.m. (Players Era 16)
Oregon could really use a win like this and if you’re St. John’s, it’s about escaping a trap game and moving on to the next round.
80. Gonzaga vs. Kansas State – Nov. 25 at 12:30 a.m. (Players Era 16)
You could copy and paste the above comments onto this game. Upset chance for Kansas State. Win and advance for the Zags.
81. Virginia vs. Marquette – Nov. 25 at Noon (Battle 4 Atlantis)
I hope Sam Hauser is in attendance, considering he played for both teams in his college career. And it’s a very good matchup between arguably the two best sophomore point guards in college basketball in Chance Mallory and Nigel James Jr.
82. Arizona State vs. LSU – Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. (Acrisure Series)
Randy Bennett is a defensive guru, so it’ll be fun seeing him coach the Sun Devils against Will Wade’s Tigers. Two polar opposite head coaches, some would say.
83. Texas A&M vs. Xavier – Nov. 25 at 2:30 p.m. (Battle 4 Atlantis)
Not only is this a great game, but Xavier’s Ruben Dominguez transferred from Texas A&M, which adds some fun intrigue.
84. Duke vs. UConn – Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in Las Vegas, NV
Move over Feast Week, and the rest of November, this is the game of the entire non-conference picture in college basketball. Braylon Mullins delivered as iconic of a moment as we’ve seen in March Madness history against Duke last season. He’s back and so is Cayden Boozer, making this an all-time rematch.
85. Oklahoma vs. Purdue – Nov. 26 at Noon (Fort Myers Tip-Off)
I’m not sure if anything can truly follow up Duke and UConn, but Oklahoma and Purdue is certainly a good Noon game to sip some coffee to.
86. Texas vs. Georgetown – Nov. 26 at 2:30 p.m. (Rady Children’s Invitational)
Ed Cooley needs wins like this one, over a preseason top 10 team, to build some momentum at Georgetown. Texas can’t lose games like this if they want to be taken seriously come SEC time.
87. Michigan State vs. Arkansas – Nov. 26 at 4:30 p.m. in Detroit, MI
Izzo against Coach Cal on Thanksgiving Day? I’m not sure what the afternoon game is in the NFL, but this beats it 9 times out of 10.
88. USC vs. Utah State – Nov. 26 at 4:30 p.m.
The Spartans and Razorbacks steal the show on Thanksgiving, but Eric Musselman and USC also have a pretty big game against Utah State, it case you’d like the change the channel every media timeout.
89. UCLA vs. Saint Mary’s – Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. (Rady Children’s Invitational)
Oh, and if those previous two games don’t live up to the hype, Saint Mary’s and UCLA will end about a half hour later, making for a great early evening window.
90. SMU vs. LSU – Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. (Acrisure Series)
The Bills and the Chiefs will dominate Thanksgiving night television, but SMU and LSU is a good preview for that.
91. Virginia vs. Xavier – Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. (Battle 4 Atlantis)
Black Friday gets started early as Virginia and Xavier meet in the Battle 4 Atlantis for an 11 a.m. tip here on the East Coast.
92. Cincinnati vs. Boston College – Nov. 27 at 4:30 p.m. (ESPN Events Invitational)
I’ll give Luke Murray and Boston College one game to watch here, as they take on Cincinnati on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
93. Villanova at Kansas – Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.
While fans in Cincy and Boston will be watching the game above, most college basketball fans will be tuned in to Nova and KU. Two historic programs with some great Thanksgiving leftovers.
94. Marquette vs. Texas A&M – Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. (Battle 4 Atlantis)
The Buzz Williams bowl! Will he lead his current team, the Terps to a win, or will Bucky Ball prevail?
95. Drake vs. Boise State – Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Idaho Falls, ID
Friday is truly a great day in college hoops, and we can’t forget about Drake and Boise State, in a clash between two mid-major giants.
96. West Virginia at North Carolina – Nov. 27 at 7 p.m.
Nearing the end of Black Friday could be tiring, but if you’ve got any energy left, West Virginia and UNC should have your attention.
97. Wichita State at #23 Kentucky – Nov. 27 at 9 p.m.
The programs have only faced off twice before, both in the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky knocked off the 1-seed Shockers in 2014, in an instant classic. In 2017, the Wildcats won again, also by just one possession. Wichita State has potential to be good this season, so this should be on everybody’s radar.
98. Vermont vs. Siena – Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. in Hempstead, N.Y.
We should give love to a pair of mid-majors on a Sunday at the end of the month. Siena has potential under new head coach Nevada Smith and Vermont is a yearly contender to make the NCAA Tournament. Don’t just watch these teams in March!
90. Utah State at New Mexico – Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.
Former rivals in the Mountain West now meet in a non-conference battle. Plus, Jake Hall goes against the team he scored his single-season high against last year, with 32 points.
100. South Florida at Saint Louis – Nov. 29 at 3:30 p.m.
South Florida has Chris Mack now and Saint Louis will be must-watch all season long with a squad that will light it up from deep. It’s a fun high-major matchup to end the month!