After finishing 15-19 (5-15 Big Ten), Northwestern has begun to finalize its schedule for the upcoming year. Northwestern’s conference schedule has already been announced, with home-and-home matchups against Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota being finalized. However, independent reporter Rocco Miller at Bracketeer.org recently broke the news on some of Northwestern basketball’s finalized non-conference games.
They include a home showdown with DePaul, whom the ‘Cats narrowly edged out in an 81-79 thriller last season, as well as neutral matchups against BYU, Oklahoma State and more. The Wildcats’ non-conference slate looks pretty competitive, with several Quad I and Quad II games on the schedule. Some positive showings in the winter could build Northwestern’s case as a tournament team come spring.
Advertisement
Binghamton (Nov. 2), Stony Brook (Nov. 6), Boston University (Nov. 9)
Miller reported Northwestern will kick off the season with a trio of home tune-up games against Binghamton, Stony Brook and Boston University. None of these teams should be a big test for the Wildcats. Binghamton finished 360th in NET rankings and with just eight wins, three of which came against non-Division I opponents. Stony Brook finished 17-15 (9-9 in the Colonial Athletic Association) and lost most of its experience and talent to graduation and the transfer portal. Northwestern beat Boston University by 24 points away from home last season, and the Terriers will miss most of their main drivers from their improbable Patriot League tournament run.
All of these teams look like Quad IV teams by the end of the season, per Barttorvik.com’s projections. Outside of the abnormal, they should be light work for a Northwestern team that will need to iron out the wrinkles before taking on high-major opposition.
DePaul (Nov. 13), Columbia (Nov. 16)
DePaul will be the first major test for Northwestern this season. DePaul appears headed for another season in the basement of the Big East, although it made huge leaps from its winless Big East record in the 2023-24 season. The Wildcats faced DePaul away from home last season and took home a razor-tight win thanks to two clutch Nick Martinelli free throws. According to Miller’s reporting, Northwestern will also travel to DePaul for the 2027-28 season, continuing the crosstown rivalry. Led by returning senior Layden Blocker, the Blue Demons will be the first real litmus test for Northwestern’s season. Beat this high-major team at home, and there is true cause for optimism in Evanston. Lose to them, and there is work to be done.
Advertisement
Afterward, Northwestern stays at Welsh-Ryan Arena to face Columbia University. Columbia is no pushover, but it figures to be a mediocre mid-major team that likely won’t make any real noise as a tournament team. Experience is on the Lions’ side; over half of their minutes played returned from last year’s roster. Still, they’re not as talented as Northwestern is, and the Wildcats should be heavily favored to win.
Charleston Classic (Nov. 20-22)
Per several sources and reporters, Northwestern is confirmed to be participating in the Charleston Classic, an early-season tournament operated by ESPN Events. The event will feature eight teams competing in two separate brackets over select days. Dayton, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Utah and Virginia Tech are confirmed participants, and there are two remaining slots yet to be filled or announced.
No matter who the Wildcats end up facing, their participation in the Charleston Classic is undoubtedly a huge bump for their résumé. Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech are viewed as teams that could end up on the tournament bubble. Nearly all, if not all, of the participating teams project as Quad I or Quad II games. Northwestern has the chance to put its name on the bracketology sheets with a positive showing in Charleston.
Advertisement
BYU (Dec. 5), Oklahoma State (Dec. 20)
Northwestern will face BYU at the Delta Center, the home of the Utah Jazz, and Oklahoma State in Paycom Center, the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. These de facto away games will be huge for Northwestern to fortify its case as worthy of an at-large bid. Beating BYU, which will likely end up as a Quad I win, would give the Wildcats an early marquee victory and put them on the selection committee’s radar. BYU is well-endowed with talent and experience; five-star wing Bruce Branch III and veteran guard Rob Wright III lead them. However, if Northwestern comes out blazing and it keeps the confidence and bravado that have defined Chris Collins’ years in Evanston, it could pull off a historic win in Salt Lake City.
Oklahoma State is an easier ask for Northwestern, but it will still be a tough test, especially in front of several thousand fervent Cowboys fans. They will likely project as a Quad II matchup, meaning it’s one of a few chances to bolster their résumé before a brutal conference slate. However, despite finishing near the bottom of the Big 12 for the past few years, Oklahoma State is a legitimate bubble team this year, and lead guard Kanye Clary could cause headaches for Northwestern’s defense.
Northeastern (Nov. 27), Chicago State (Dec. 29)
Sandwiching Northwestern’s two neutral-site games are Quad IV home matchups against Northeastern and Chicago State. Northwestern last faced Northeastern in December 2024, when the ‘Cats beat the Huskies 85-60 at home. Northeastern ended its 2025-26 season on a 12-game losing streak in the regular season and a postseason exit to Drexel in the conference tournament. The Wildcats will then face Chicago State right before the New Year. Chicago State has claimed 11 wins combined across the past two seasons, but Northwestern won’t forget Chicago State’s historic upset over a ranked Wildcats squad in 2023. Even if the Cougars aren’t very strong, the Wildcats will still need to give it their all to beat Chicago State.
Advertisement
Overall
Northwestern’s schedule is seriously exciting. A home rivalry game against DePaul, a road trip to Salt Lake City against BYU and a multi-team event in Charleston all highlight Northwestern’s non-conference schedule. Additionally, Northwestern is reportedly trying to hammer out the details on a neutral-site game at United Center with Arizona State. It would be a return fixture after the Wildcats beat Arizona State in the Mortgage Matchup Center, the home of the Phoenix Suns.
After missing the tournament for the second time in three seasons, Northwestern basketball needs to get back on the winning train, and it can only do that by facing tournament teams. A non-conference schedule filled with quality opponents will give the Wildcats the chance to build up an intriguing résumé before conference play. Although Northwestern’s non-conference schedule isn’t finalized, this reported slate gives the Wildcats plenty of opportunities to succeed.
