Top 3 confirmed non-conference opponents in DePaul's schedule for 2025-26

In the first year of the Chris Holtmann era, DePaul Basketball went 14-20 overall, including 4-16 in Big East play. They showed some signs of improvement as a program in the non-conference portion, starting out 7-0 and getting blowout wins over Duquesne and Wichita State.

The Blue Demons are one of the first teams to release their non-conference schedule, including participating in the Emerald Coast Classic. They’ll also get a chance to play either Drake or LSU in the non-con, either being a top-3 or 4 team on their schedule. 

Here is a look at the top confirmed opponents for DePaul in the non-con.

3. Wichita State Shockers (A)

The Shockers won 19 games last season and were competitive in AAC play, but with nearly everyone on the roster being seniors, they had to utilize the transfer portal to add nine newcomers to the roster. The most notable additions included Kenyon Giles (15.4 ppg at UNC Greensboro) and former high-major forwards, Will Berg (Purdue) and Emmanuel Okorafor (Seton Hall). From a talent standpoint, Wichita should be a better match for the Blue Demons than the non-power conference programs they will face.

2. Northwestern Wildcats (H)

Northwestern is without Brooks Barnhizer and Jalen Leach, but they do return Nick Martinelli, who averaged 20.5 ppg and 6.2 rpg. South Florida transfer guard Jayden Reid is set to be a lead guard, while Cincy transfer Arrinten Page looks to break out in a larger role. 

1. Georgia Tech (N) 

The Yellow Jackets lost their lead guard (Naithan George) to the portal, but did bring back key forward, Baye Ndongo (13.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg). The key to how good they’ll be is the two incoming transfers, sharpshooter Kam Craft (Miami OH) and Lamar Washington, a double-digit combo guard from Pacific. If they’re impactful, GT will be a solid ACC team.