There has never been more excitement surrounding the BYU Cougars basketball team than heading into the 2025-26 season. The program has taken major strides after the first season of Kevin Young, and expectations inside the Marriott Center are sky-high.
Not only is BYU expected to be a Big 12 contender, but they are being discussed as a potential national title threat. The schedule reflects that ambition, as the Cougars are jumping straight into challenging non-conference play with some marquee matchups early in the season.
Below is a look at the 2025-26 BYU non-conference schedule:
Monday, November 3 – vs. Villanova (Las Vegas)
BYU opens the season with a showcase matchup in Las Vegas against Villanova. The Wildcats aren’t the powerhouse they were during their championship years, but this is still a program with pedigree. It’s also the first meeting between these two since 1951, when Villanova took a 72-58 win. Expect this one to set the tone for the Cougars’ season.
Saturday, November 8 – vs. Holy Cross
A solid home opener follows, giving BYU fans their first look at the new roster inside the Marriott Center. Holy Cross struggled last season but brings back a group that can shoot the ball well. This should be an opportunity for BYU to fine-tune rotations and build rhythm after the Villanova matchup.
Tuesday, November 11 – vs. Delaware
Another early home matchup gives the Cougars a chance to test their depth. Delaware is typically competitive in the Colonial Athletic Association and often pushes Power Conference teams with its veteran guards. Expect BYU to rely on its defense and transition scoring to take control.
Saturday, November 15 – vs. UConn (Boston)
This one will be a headline matchup at TD Garden. It’s just the second all-time meeting between the two programs, the first coming in the 2003 NCAA Tournament when UConn edged BYU 58-53. The Cougars will be looking for payback and another national statement win.
Friday, November 21 – vs. Wisconsin
A rematch of their thrilling NCAA Tournament clash earlier this year, which BYU won 91-89. The Badgers visit Provo just before Thanksgiving, adding another major challenge to the early slate. Expect a physical matchup that tests BYU’s toughness inside.
Tuesday, November 27 – vs. Miami (Kissimmee)
The Cougars travel south for the ESPN Events Invitational in Florida. BYU and Miami are tied 2-2 all-time, and this neutral-site matchup should draw plenty of national attention. Miami has an experienced backcourt and always plays fast, so it’ll be a fun stylistic contrast.
Friday, November 28 – vs. Dayton (Kissimmee)
A quick turnaround wraps up their Florida trip, giving the Cougars a strong bonding experience before conference play nears. Dayton has been one of the top mid-majors in the country in recent years, known for discipline and rebounding. This one could test BYU’s legs coming off the Miami game.
Wednesday, December 3 – vs. Cal Baptist
The Lancers come to Provo after another solid season in the WAC. Cal Baptist is well-coached and can be dangerous from three-point range, so the Cougars can’t overlook this one. Still, BYU’s size and athleticism should be too much at home.
Tuesday, December 9 – vs. Clemson (New York City)
Another national spotlight game at Madison Square Garden. The Tigers and Cougars haven’t met since 1990 when Clemson knocked BYU out of the NCAA Tournament in a 49-47 defensive battle. Expect this one to be much more up-tempo with both teams loaded with scoring talent.
Saturday, December 13 – vs. UC Riverside
UC Riverside has quietly been competitive in the Big West and returns several starters. This will be a good measuring-stick game for BYU’s consistency after the long road trips. It’s also a nice chance to give the bench extended minutes before the final non-conference stretch.
Tuesday, December 16 – vs. Pacific
A former WCC rival returns to Provo for what should feel like a familiar matchup. The Tigers are rebuilding, but their physical style always makes them a tough out. BYU will aim to keep the tempo high and create early separation.
Friday, December 19 – vs. Abilene Christian
Abilene Christian has made a name as a scrappy defensive team capable of upsetting bigger programs. The Cougars will need to stay focused and avoid turnovers in this one, as the Wildcats love to press and disrupt offensive flow.
Monday, December 22 – vs. Eastern Washington
The Eagles are one of the top programs in the Big Sky and made a strong postseason push last year. It’s a sneaky good matchup just before Christmas that will close out BYU’s non-conference slate. Expect the Marriott Center to be full for the final tune-up before Big 12 play begins.
The closing stretch of the non-conference schedule gives BYU a balance of high-level challenges and manageable games to sharpen their depth. Between marquee games in Vegas, Boston, Orlando, and New York, the Cougars have built a national schedule that provides both exposure and opportunity.
If BYU can handle this slate, they won’t just be a Big 12 threat; they’ll be right in the national conversation when March rolls around.