The Illinois State men's basketball team has unveiled its 2026-27 non-conference schedule, featuring key matchups against several NCAA Tournament teams. The schedule kicks off with exhibition games on October 18 and 23, leading to the season opener at Saint Mary's on November 2. Highlights include games against Purdue and Santa Clara, as well as a series of home games throughout November and December. The program aims to build on last season's performance, having reached the NIT semifinals.

By the Numbers
  • Five games against teams that participated in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
  • Last season's record of Illinois State: 23 wins and 13 losses, with a semifinal appearance in the NIT.
State of Play
  • The team returns two leading scorers: Chase Walker (13.7 ppg) and Johnny Kinziger (11.5 ppg, 119 assists).
  • Two players have surpassed 1,000 career points, a distinction shared with only one other NCAA Division I school.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the focus will be on integrating new players and solidifying team chemistry ahead of tough non-conference challenges. The coaching staff aims to enhance overall performance to surpass last season's outcomes.

Bottom Line

Illinois State's ambitious non-conference lineup will serve as a critical stepping stone for competing effectively in the upcoming season. The goal is to leverage returning talent and newcomers to achieve greater success on the national stage.