BYU Basketball Reveals Full Non‑Conference Schedule

Coach Brigham Young has set a clear roadmap for the upcoming season, confirming two exhibition contests and a potential third as part of a broader non‑conference slate. The Bulldogs will kick off the preseason on Friday, October 16 in Provo against Nebraska, followed by a trip to the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 24 for the UNLV showcase. UNLV head coach Josh Pastner announced the Las Vegas date, noting that the game will not count toward win‑loss records. By expanding exhibitions to three games this year—up from two last season—NCAA rules give BYU additional preparation options, though a closed‑door scrimmage remains a possibility.

Exhibition Overview

• Oct 16 – vs Nebraska (Provo)

• Oct 24 – at UNLV (Las Vegas, Thomas and Mack Center)

• One additional exhibition – possible closed‑door scrimmage (details pending)

These preseason games serve as a dress rehearsal for the regular season, allowing BYU to test new schemes without risking conference standings. The venue in Las Vegas adds a neutral‑site experience, which can be valuable for evaluating team chemistry. The optional third exhibition gives the coaching staff flexibility to fine‑tune depth and integrate redshirt players.

Regular‑Season Non‑Conference Games

BYU’s non‑conference calendar is split into two groups: seven higher‑profile contests and seven “buy” games. The stronger slate includes a regular‑season opener against a recent NCAA Tournament team, a clash with in‑state rivals, and participation in a prestigious island tournament. The remaining matchups are designated as buy games, where BYU compensates opponents for traveling to Provo, filling out the 14‑game non‑conference count.

Top‑Tier (Q1/Q2) Games

• Nov 2 – vs Ohio State (Salt Lake City)

• Dec 9 – vs Utah State (Provo)

• Dec 19 – vs San Diego State (Palm Springs)

• Nov 23‑25 – Three Maui Invitational games (field: Arizona, Washington, VCU, Providence, Ole Miss, Colorado State, Clemson)

The Ohio State tilt marks the season opener and provides a benchmark after the Buckeyes finished as an 8‑seed in last year’s March Madness. The Maui Invitational offers a chance to face multiple high‑caliber programs in a condensed timeline, a tournament that has historically served as a springboard for NCAA Tournament consideration. These games are designed to gauge BYU’s competitiveness against top‑30 talent early in the year.

Buy‑Game Schedule

• Nov 10 – vs Queens (Provo)

• Nov 12 – vs Montana State (Provo)

• Nov 18 – vs Northern Colorado (Provo)

• Nov 23‑25 – Maui Invitational (see top‑tier list)

• Dec 5 – vs Northwestern (Salt Lake City)

• Dec 12 – vs Cal State Fullerton (Provo)

• Dec 15 – vs Weber State (Provo)

• Dec 22 – vs La Salle (Provo)

Buy games generate revenue while keeping the home crowd engaged against lower‑tier opponents, a strategy that also preserves energy for the more demanding Q1/Q2 matches. The mix ensures BYU meets its 14‑game non‑conference commitment while providing multiple chances for player development and recruiting exposure. One slot remains open, indicating that the schedule may still see a late addition before the season begins.

What the Schedule Means for the Season

Securing three exhibition opportunities gives BYU extra practice against varied competition, a luxury that can be crucial for late‑season conference pushes. The Maui Invitational trio not only tests top talent but also builds momentum heading into Big 12 play, where BYU will face 18 opponents. By blending high‑stakes games with buy contests, the program balances competitive rigor with financial stability, positioning the team for a strong finish in the conference race.