3 Most Important Games on Ohio State Basketball’s 2026-27 Non-Conference Schedule

Ohio State has released its complete 2026-27 non-conference schedule, featuring five high-major opponents. Before the season opener on November 2 against BYU in Salt Lake City, the Buckeyes will play two exhibition games: at Cincinnati on October 7 and vs. Butler at home on October 25.

Here are the three most important non-conference games on Ohio State’s schedule, ranked by importance.

Ohio State at UConn on November 13: Biggest Early-Season Test

This road matchup stands as the Buckeyes’ most significant early challenge and a key measuring stick for the season. UConn, coached by Dan Hurley, is coming off a strong 34-6 campaign that ended in the national championship game with a 69-63 loss to Michigan.

One of the top returners Ohio State will need to contain is Solo Ball, who averaged 12.8 points per game and tied for the team lead with 77 made three-pointers last season. This contest marks the start of a home-and-home series, with UConn visiting Columbus in the 2027-28 season. Ohio State leads the all-time series 4-2.

Ohio State vs. Kansas at Madison Square Garden on December 19: CBS Sports Classic Showdown

The Buckeyes return to the CBS Sports Classic for the 12th time, facing Kansas at Madison Square Garden. Ohio State will look for redemption after a narrow 71-70 loss to North Carolina in last year’s event.

Kansas enters with an almost entirely new roster following significant turnover after a solid 2025-26 season that ended in the NCAA Tournament second round. The programs have not met since the 2012 Final Four in New Orleans, where Kansas prevailed. North Carolina and Kentucky will also play in the CBS Sports Classic doubleheader. Tickets go on sale October 7.

Ohio State at Notre Dame on December 12: Completing the Home-and-Home Series

This road game finishes the home-and-home series after Ohio State’s narrow 64-63 home win over the Fighting Irish last November. Notre Dame struggled to a 13-18 record last season but returns a revamped roster featuring six transfers and four freshmen.

While the Buckeyes should enter as favorites, the matchup offers another early test of depth and consistency on the road.

Remaining Non-Conference Games on Ohio State’s 2026-27 Schedule

Other non-conference opponents include BYU (season opener in Salt Lake City), Youngstown State (home opener), Marshall, Prairie View A&M, UMBC, Vanderbilt (home game that starts a home-and-home series), Lipscomb, Stony Brook, and Mississippi Valley State. Several of these games provide opportunities to build early momentum and develop chemistry ahead of Big Ten play.

The 2026-27 non-conference slate gives Ohio State a mix of high-level tests and winnable games as the Buckeyes prepare for a competitive Big Ten season.