5 most important and talented programs Georgetown will face in its non-con schedule

Georgetown Basketball finished 16-18 last season, winning just 11 games after the first couple of weeks. Things started well for the Hoyas, going 5-0. However, an overtime loss to Dayton started their downfall, followed by losses to Miami and North Carolina in non-conference play, before they went 6-14 in Big East play.

The 2026-27 campaign is set up to be an important one for Georgetown, especially for head coach Ed Cooley. We now know the Hoyas' schedule, including their known non-conference slate. 

Here’s a closer look at the top five opponents to watch.

1. Texas Longhorns (N)

After making the Sweet 16 last season, Texas arguably has a better roster to work with. They bring back their top scorer and rebounder Matas Vokietatis (15.6 ppg and 7.1 rpg), along with adding multiple transfers. Forward David Punch (14.1 ppg and 6.8 rpg) led TCU in both categories, while Johnson was a stud freshman scorer at Colorado, leading them with 16.9 ppg. It’s a team that’ll be in the top-10 mix next year and the best opponent for the Hoyas on paper.

2. UCLA Bruins (N)

The Bruins bring back a trio of key players from last season, including Trent Perry (12.6 ppg and 2.8 apg) and Eric Dailey (11.6 ppg and 5.8 rpg). They added a bunch of transfers who were role players at their previous stops, including guards Azavier Robinson and Jaylen Petty, along with forwards, Filip Jovic and Sergei Macura. UCLA may not have the highest ceiling unless one of these underclassmen newcomers but the floor will be as high as any team Georgetown plays not named Texas.

3. North Carolina Tar Heels (H)

The Tar Heels made a huge splash in the coaching carousel, landing NBA champion coach Michael Malone. He added multiple lead guards, including Terrence Brown (19.9 ppg and 3.8 apg at Utah) and Neoklis Avdalas (12.1 ppg and 4.6 apg at Virginia Tech). They do bring back forward Jarin Stevenson but the frontcourt has some questions, with Sayon Keita and Alex Samodurov being the names to watch at center. There’s a lot of intrigue with this group, but there’s also a lot of potential if the new pieces fit.

4. Clemson Tigers (A)

Clemson may not have the same amount of high-level talent as UNC, but they’ve consistently been overachievers in the ACC under Coach Brad Brownell. They bring back guards Ace Buckner and Zac Foster, along with key additions from the portal. Dylan Faulkner and David Fuchs will look to replace the production of the injured Carter Welling, while Cole Certa is a double-digit sharpshooting guard from Notre Dame. It’s a good group that’ll be a tough road game for the Big East team.

5. Maryland Terrapins (H)

After a brutal past year, the Terrapins have a rebuilt roster, which should make them more competitive. Pharrel Payne got another year of eligibility, while the team also double-double big man Tomislav Buljan, along with five-star small forward prospect Baba Oladotun. With Andre Mills back and Arkansas transfer DJ Wagner joining the team, look for Maryland to get back into postseason contention.

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