Kansas State Reveals 2026‑27 Non‑Conference Schedule

Fresh off his first full recruiting class, head coach Casey Alexander has unveiled a detailed 2026‑27 non‑conference slate for the Wildcats. The schedule opens with a neutral‑site showcase at the Players Era 16 tournament in Las Vegas, featuring a high‑profile matchup against Gonzaga on Nov. 24. Returning home for a classic Kansas rivalry, K‑State will host Creighton at Bramlage Coliseum on Nov. 10, a rematch of last year’s 83‑76 victory in Omaha. The calendar also includes a November fireworks show against Wichita State in Kansas City and an exhibition clash with Missouri on Oct. 23.

Key Non‑Conference Games

• Nov. 3 – South Dakota State

  The Jackrabbits are coming off Bryan Peterson’s first season after Eric Henderson’s departure and have posted their first losing record since 2009. KenPom ranks SDSU 221st nationally, indicating a rebuilding phase. This opener will give Alexander’s squad an early test against a program that historically filled the mid‑major void.

• Nov. 6 – Cal State Northridge

  The Matadors have enjoyed three consecutive winning seasons under Andy Newman, who took over the program in 2022. Their KenPom rating sits at 178, reflecting steady improvement. This contest should provide a good yardstick for the Wildcats’ defensive versatility.

• Nov. 10 – Creighton

  Creighton’s coaching landscape changed this offseason when Alan Huss took over for retiring legend Greg McDermott. The Bluejays enter the year after a narrow loss to Kansas State in Omaha, and their KenPom standing is 76. This home game marks the Wildcats’ first real benchmark of the season.

• Nov. 16 – Montana

  Travis DeCuire has guided Montana to nine straight winning campaigns, including three NCAA Tournament berths. The Grizzlies sit at 190th in KenPom, but their experience will be a challenge. Expect a physical contest that tests Kansas State’s depth and composure.

• Nov. 20 – Campbell

  New coach Jimmie Williams assumes his first Division I role after four years at Division II Anderson, a former tournament No. 1 seed. Campbell’s KenPom rank is 185, suggesting an upward trajectory. The game adds variety to the non‑conference slate and introduces a fresh storyline.

• Nov. 24 – Gonzaga (Players Era 16, Las Vegas)

  The Bulldogs are projected among the nation’s top‑10 squads and should be a dominant opponent. Their KenPom rating of 15 underscores that expectation. Facing Gonzaga in the Players Era 16 will immediately set the tone for Alexander’s inaugural campaign.

• Nov. 26 – Alabama or Baylor (Players Era 16, Las Vegas)

  Kansas State will face a strong opponent from the Pac‑12 or Big 12, with Baylor featuring former Wildcat coach Jerome Tang as associate head coach. The Wildcats are not favored in most Players Era matchups, making this a tough test. The game could feature former K‑State personnel now in a different conference.

• Nov. 27 – Michigan, Creighton, TCU or Miami (Players Era 16, Las Vegas)

  While a matchup with Michigan seems unlikely, the other three are realistic possibilities. Each opponent brings distinct stylistic challenges. This final Players Era day will provide another chance for the Wildcats to measure themselves against elite competition.

• Dec. 4 – @ Seton Hall

  Seton Hall returns after a narrow 78‑67 loss to Kansas State in mid‑December 2025 and is expected to contend for an NCAA Tournament spot under Shaheen Holloway. Their KenPom rating sits at 51, indicating strong potential. The road tilt tests the Wildcats’ ability to execute on the road against a familiar foe.

• Dec. 8 – IU Indy

  Listed at KenPom 317, IU Indy is widely considered a “cupcake” opponent. The game offers a chance for Alexander’s bench players to accumulate minutes. Scheduling this contest early in December provides a low‑stakes environment for roster evaluation.

• Dec. 11 – Wichita State (Kansas City)

  The Shockers retained many players from a second‑place American Conference finish and are expected to be competitive. Their KenPom rating of 73 suggests they will be a step up from earlier non‑conference foes. The renewed in‑state rivalry adds local excitement and a challenging end to the stretch run.

• Dec. 18 – Little Rock

  The Trojans fell from previous winning seasons and now sit at KenPom 310. Their dip in performance could be a surprise for the Wildcats, but also an opportunity for Kansas State to rebound. This game caps a stretch of high‑pressure contests.

• Dec. 21 – Lindenwood

  Lindenwood posted its best season in four years of Division I play and remains at KenPom 267. The Lions’ momentum could test Kansas State’s depth against a program on the rise. This contest fits into Alexander’s plan of balancing veteran experience with younger talent.

• Dec. 28 – Omaha

  Omaha provides a tune‑up before the Big 12 slate begins, offering a final chance to fine‑tune rotations. Their KenPom ranking of 264 reflects a modest program but one that can disrupt expectations. Expect a focused Wildcats team looking ahead to conference play.

The Big 12 opponents were released earlier, but exact dates are still pending. Kansas State will play home‑only games against Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas Tech. The Wildcats face away‑only contests at Baylor, BYU, UCF, Iowa State, Utah and West Virginia. Conversely, Kansas, Cincinnati and Arizona State will be met both home and away.

New Faces and Staff

Casey Alexander’s first season also brings several new faces to the program, highlighted by incoming freshmen Devin Hutcherson and Jaylen Alexander. The roster additions are part of a broader effort to rebuild the Wildcats’ depth and perimeter shooting. The following images showcase the coaching staff and new players who will shape the program’s direction.

Exhibition Game and Outlook

Kansas State will close its pre‑season preparations with an exhibition versus Missouri on Oct. 23. This contest offers the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bench talent without the pressure of the regular season. The wildcard nature of exhibition play means that Alexander can experiment with lineups and rotations.

Looking ahead, the schedule sets a mix of challenging non‑conference foes and the rigor of Big 12 competition. The early-season slate tests depth against a range of opponents, from perennial power Gonzaga to rising programs like Campbell and Lindenwood. As the Wildcats transition into conference play, the experiences gained in November and December will be critical for building momentum in the competitive Big 12 landscape.