Last season was rough for Kansas State Basketball, as the team finished under .500 overall and missed the NCAA Tournament. The non-conference portion was equally rough, taking losses to Liberty, Wichita State, and Drake.
The Wildcats hope that a revamped roster will put them back in the postseason mix. Their non-con schedule has been released, including participation in the Hall of Fame Classic Tournament. Depending on the outcome of the first game, Kansas State will play either New Mexico or Nebraska.
'25-26 Schedule taking shape 🗓️https://t.co/eJ1s6STnEo // #EMAW pic.twitter.com/nILPClop9x
— K-State Men's Basketball (@KStateMBB) July 28, 2025
As far as the other 12 confirmed games go, here’s a look at the top four opponents to watch.
4. Cal Bears (H)
The Bears lost both of their key players to the portal this offseason, with Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois) and Jeremiah Wilkinson (Georgia) moving on. Among the most notable newcomers are Chris Bell (Syracuse) and Dai Dai Ames, the starting guard at Virginia last year. There are lots of role players on the roster, but who’ll emerge as the go-to option is the key.
3. Mississippi State Bulldogs (N)
The Bulldogs have one of the best guards in all of college basketball next season in Josh Hubbard. He’s joined by Jayden Epps, a transfer from Georgetown and a double-digit starting guard. Wichita State transfer Quincy Ballard leads the frontcourt, though there are some questions about the overall depth there.
2. Creighton Bluejays (A)
The Bluejays lost all of their top scorers from last season but added some talented offensive players, including the Iowa transfer duo of Owen Freeman and Josh Dix. MEAC Player of the Year and freshman star Blake Harper gives them an intriguing option on the wings. Offense won’t be an issue at Creighton, but will this unit be able to defend well enough to be a contender?
1. Indiana Hoosiers (A)
Indiana has a completely new roster, including 10 transfers. Among the top players are 20 ppg scorer Lamar Wilkerson from Sam Houston, as well as Sun Belt POY guard Tayton Conerway (Troy) and Reed Bailey, an all-league forward from Davidson. There’s a ton of scoring talent on this roster, and guys such as Sam Alexis (Florida), Connor Enright (DePaul), and Nick Dorn (Elon) give them plenty of depth as well to contend in the Big Ten.