Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars face a loaded non-conference schedule featuring matchups with Auburn, Tennessee, and Arkansas before diving into Big 12 play.
Early Tune-Ups Before the Real Tests Begin
Kelvin Sampson and the Houston Cougars have been nothing short of outstanding over the last handful of seasons. Last year, they fell just short in the championship game, finishing as runner-up to the Florida Gators. Once again, the Cougars are picked to win the ever-competitive Big 12 Conference. Before that challenge begins, they’ll take on a fun and sometimes tricky non-conference slate.
November 3: Lehigh Comes to Town
The Cougars should open up with a chance to win some lopsided games right away. Their opener against Lehigh should allow Houston to test new rotations and evaluate how fresh faces fit in. The talent gap will heavily favor the home team here.
November 8: Towson Visits for Game Two
After a few days of practice, Houston returns to the court for its second home contest of the season. Sampson will likely use this matchup to fine-tune his defensive sets and see who can provide consistent depth off the bench.
November 12: Oakland Wraps Up the Opening Homestand
The final game of the early home stretch comes against Oakland, a program known for its grit and outside shooting. Expect the Golden Grizzlies to compete hard, but Houston’s superior length and physicality should win out.
Neutral-Site Challenges Heat Things Up
November 16: Auburn Awaits in Birmingham
This neutral-site matchup against Auburn has a bit of revenge potential. The Tigers edged Houston by five points last season, but this time the Cougars will look to flip the script. Although Auburn’s roster looks very different with a new coach and key departures, the Birmingham setting will still tilt slightly in Auburn’s favor.
November 20: Home Clash with Rider
After the Auburn trip, Houston returns home for a quick tune-up against Rider. Expect more lineup experimentation as Sampson builds toward tougher matchups later in the month.
November 24–25: Las Vegas Showdowns
First up in Las Vegas is Syracuse on November 24. While not the powerhouse of years past, the Orange will be eager for a statement win. These teams last met in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, where Houston eliminated Syracuse.
The very next day, the Cougars face Tennessee. Rick Barnes’ Volunteers will be out for revenge after Houston knocked them out of last year’s Elite Eight. This one promises March-level energy in November.
December Brings Depth Tests and SEC Firepower
December 6: Florida State Visits
Florida State has been down lately, but Leonard Hamilton’s teams are never short on length or athleticism. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
December 10 and 13: Tune-Ups Against Jackson State and New Orleans
Two more home games will allow Sampson to give minutes to younger players and lock in his rotation before the schedule toughens again.
December 20: Arkansas Clash in Newark
Houston will meet John Calipari’s new-look Arkansas squad in Newark in one of December’s premier matchups. The last time these teams met in 2017, Houston dominated 91–65. Expect the Razorbacks to bring more fight this time around in what could be a pre-Christmas thriller.
December 29: Final Tune-Up with Middle Tennessee
The Cougars close out non-conference play at home against Middle Tennessee, a final chance to refine before Big 12 competition begins. Expect Sampson to test rotations and chemistry one last time before the grueling conference slate.
The Road Ahead
Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars have set the standard for consistency, and this non-conference slate gives them another chance to prove it. With regional rivals and national showdowns throughout November and December, Houston will face plenty of challenges. If they can get through this schedule with some success, the Cougars will enter Big 12 play battle-tested and ready to chase another deep postseason run.