Pittsburgh Basketball: Ranking the 10 confirmed non-conference opponents for 2024-25

Last season, Pittsburgh Basketball finished 9-2 in its non-conference schedule. That included a big road win over West Virginia, ending a decades-long losing skid in the Backyard Brawl rivalry. However, one of the two losses proved to be fatal, as the Panthers lost at home to Missouri. At the time, it didn't look like an awful defeat but the Tigers went on to go winless in SEC play, making it an awful loss.

Overall, Pittsburgh's non-conference strength of schedule was bad enough to cost them a spot in the NCAA Tournament as one of the first ones out. The program made some adjustments, getting a much more difficult group of opponents for the 2024-25 campaign. That includes playing in the inaugural Greenbrier Tip-Off Tournament, taking on LSU, before either Wisconsin or UCF.

These will be two of the top games throughout the non-con but how do the rest of the upcoming foes stack? Here's a closer look at Pitt's schedule, ranking the 10 confirmed opponents.

10. VMI Keydets - 2023-24 season record: 4-28 (1-17 SoCon)

The Keydets were one of the worst teams in the country last season and things likely won't be better, with the top six scorers all entering the transfer portal. This does create an opportunity for sophomore guards, AJ Clark and Maurice Wright, who combined to average 7.5 ppg last season. VMI will need them to be breakout players to even have a chance in the SoCon, let alone against high-major opponents such as Pitt.