Mississippi State Basketball won 21 games last season en route to making the NCAA Tournament, despite going under .500 in SEC play. That was due to losing just one game in the non-con (Butler), while beating SMU, Pitt, and Memphis to enhance their resume.
The Bulldogs have another strong slate, including playing in the Hall of Fame Classic. They’ll face Kansas State first before taking on either Nebraska or New Mexico. Among the other confirmed games, here are the top four opponents to watch.
112 days… ⏳
— Mississippi State Men's Basketball (@HailStateMBK) July 16, 2025
Our non-conference schedule is set ✅
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4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (A)
Georgia Tech brings back one of the best forwards in the nation next season in Baye Ndongo (13.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg). Replacing Naithan George in the backcourt are transfers, Lamar Washington (Pacific), Kam Craft (Miami OH), and Chas Kelley III (Boston College). They’ll need former top-50 prospect Jaeden Mustaf to have a breakout sophomore campaign for them to have a chance to move into the top half of the ACC.
3. Memphis Tigers (H)
Although American Player of the Year guard PJ Haggerty is gone, the Tigers still found a way to get some firepower on their roster. Dug McDaniel is a double-digit scorer from Kansas State who could be a star in the league, while Quante Berry, Zachary Davis, and Sincere Parker are other key newcomers to the rotation. If former 5-star forward prospect Aaron Bradshaw has a big year, Memphis will be the favorite in the American again.
2. SMU Mustangs (H)
The Mustangs were one of the top offenses in the nation last season and bring back three of the top six scorers, including Kevin Miller and Samet Yigitoglu. Jaron Pierre Jr. is a 20+ ppg scoring transfer guard from Jacksonville State and adds to the already-good offensive depth of the roster.
1. Iowa State Cyclones (N)
Iowa State has consistently been one of the top defensive units in the nation and returns three starters from last year, led by PG Tamin Lipsey. Forward Milan Momcilovic will be a junior breakout candidate, while Utah Valley transfer and WAC POY guard Dominick Nelson adds to the backcourt depth. Look for them to still have a top-15 or better roster for next season.