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Pittsburgh's shaky non-con schedule features multiple "must win" games for 2026-27

ByTristan Freeman
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Oct 7, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Jeff Capel answers questions from the media during the ACC Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Jeff Capel answers questions from the media during the ACC Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season was rough for Pittsburgh Basketball, finishing 13-20 overall and 5-13 in ACC play. But the bad times started before league play, going just 7-6 in the non-conference portion of the schedule. That included bad home losses to Quinnipiac and Hofstra, as well as a 22-point road defeat to West Virginia.

The 2026-27 non-conference schedule for the Panthers has been released and features seven high-major-caliber opponents. But which opponents will be the toughest for the program to watch?

Here’s a ranking of the top five teams.

1. At Missouri Tigers

Even before star forward Mark Mitchell announced his intentions of returning to the Tigers for a 5th year, Missouri already had a top-25 caliber roster. They bring in a pair of five-star freshmen in guard Jason Crowe Jr. and forward Toni Bryant. Plus, sophomore forward transfers, Jamier Jones and Bryson Tiller, should have a big impact. This ACC/SEC Challenge battle will be an uphill climb for the Panthers. 

2. Home vs Villanova Wildcats

Pitt lost by 18 points on the road in their first matchup a year ago and Villanova could be even better this season. They bring back leading scorer Tyler Perkins (13.7 ppg), along with several key transfers. Names include former Oregon forward Kwame Evans, as well as Devin Royal, a 6’7 forward from Ohio State who dropped 22 points against Pittsburgh last season. The Wildcats are set up to again be a top-4 team in the Big East in 2027.

3. Neutral vs West Virginia Mountaineers (in Pittsburgh)

The Backyard Brawl rivalry will continue between these regional foes, although it won’t be at their traditional homecourt. The Mountaineers will be led by their backcourt, featuring Butler transfer Finley Bizjack (17.1 ppg) and Miles Sadler, a five-star point guard prospect who could easily be a one-and-done player. Pitt will also see a familiar foe in Mouhamed Sylla, who averaged 9.6 ppg and 7.2 rpg at Georgia Tech as a freshman. 

4. Neutral vs Oklahoma Sooners (in Florida)

The Sooners bring back two key starters in Xzayvier Brown (15.4 ppg and 3.3 apg) and Derrion Reid (11.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg). There are a couple of potential 5th-year additions to watch, including Duke Brennan, the big man who averaged a double-double at Villanova last season. There’s a chance that Oklahoma could be a top-25 opponent when they play.

5. Neutral vs DePaul Blue Demons (in Florida)

DePaul his historically been a bottom-feeder in the Big East but in the Coach Chris Holtmann era, they’ve been much more competitive. They bring back starting guard Layden Blocker (11.1 ppg and 3.5 apg) and has a solid supporting cast, including key transfers, Koree Cotton of UT-RGV and Magoon Gwath, a former forward from San Diego State. While Oklahoma will be the headline opponent in Florida, DePaul is far from an easy game for Pittsburgh.

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