Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies enter the 2025-26 season eyeing a return to national championship glory. After back-to-back titles, UConn was stunned by Florida in last year’s second round. This season, the Huskies bring back elite talent, a deep roster, and a tough non-conference schedule built to prepare them for another March run. The slate mixes regional matchups, national showcases, and familiar rivalries designed to test the defending Big East power early and often.
Complete 2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule
Monday, November 3 – New Haven (Home, Storrs)
A local opponent making its early steps into Division I basketball, New Haven will be welcomed rudely by a veteran UConn squad. Expect a showcase of depth and bench minutes as the Huskies open their season comfortably.
Friday, November 7 – UMass Lowell (Home, Storrs)
Another in-state tune-up for the Huskies. This matchup allows Hurley to continue experimenting with lineups while his team builds rhythm ahead of the more competitive portion of the schedule.
Monday, November 10 – Columbia (Home, Storrs)
The Ivy League visitors will give UConn one more look at its rotation before traveling. With three games in eight days, Hurley will emphasize defensive consistency and conditioning early in the season.
Saturday, November 15 – BYU (Boston)
A marquee showdown in the Hall of Fame Series. Both UConn and BYU enter the year with championship aspirations, and this primetime matchup in Boston will carry early NCAA seeding implications. It’s only their second meeting all-time, with UConn winning the first in the 2003 NCAA Tournament.
Wednesday, November 19 – Arizona (Home, Storrs)
Two blue-blood programs face off in what could be one of the best non-conference games anywhere in November. The Wildcats have not met UConn since 2018, and both squads enter the season ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Sunday, November 23 – Bryant (Home, Storrs)
A break between headline matchups, this game serves as a reset before UConn begins another challenging stretch. Expect early scoring from the bench unit as Hurley manages minutes carefully.
Friday, November 28 – Illinois (New York City)
A rematch of their 2024 NCAA Tournament clash, which UConn won handily on their way to another title. Illinois will be motivated for payback at Madison Square Garden, making this one of the Huskies’ biggest early-season stage appearances.
Tuesday, December 2 – Kansas (Away, Lawrence)
The first true road test of the season. Playing at Phog Allen Fieldhouse is as tough as it gets, and Kansas has won both previous meetings between the programs. The game will be a litmus test for UConn’s composure and execution away from home.
Friday, December 5 – East Texas A&M (Home, Storrs)
A low-profile opponent before the final stretch of heavyweight battles. This one gives UConn a breather after a trip to Kansas, with a chance to fine-tune before another national spotlight matchup.
Tuesday, December 9 – Florida (New York City)
The most emotional game on the schedule. Florida ended UConn’s season last March, and the Huskies will be eager for payback. The Gators have only two wins in seven meetings against UConn, but this one promises intensity at the Garden.
Friday, December 12 – Texas (Home, Storrs)
The non-conference finale brings another big-name opponent. Texas and UConn met last season, with the Huskies winning by 11. The Longhorns will bring athleticism and depth, but UConn’s experience gives them the edge heading into Big East play.
What This Schedule Means
UConn’s non-conference slate is loaded with national matchups that could define their season early. Hurley’s approach remains clear, test his team against the best before conference play begins. With Arizona, Kansas, and Florida on the calendar, the Huskies have the strength of schedule needed to stay atop the rankings. If they handle the grind and stay healthy, a third title in four years is within reach.