After assembling perhaps the most difficult non-conference schedule we've ever seen, the UConn Huskies are also taking on huge challenges in the exhibition season.
After falling just short in this past season's national title game, the University of Connecticut men's basketball team has drawn nationwide conversation for just how difficult its non-conference schedule is going to be in 2026-27.
However, it's not just the regular season that will offer the Huskies a significant challenge. The preseason will too (more on that in a moment).
Our own Jami Leabow has covered the Huskies schedule extensively, and she put out this on May 7:
Potentially ahead for UConn
It’s already been announced that UConn and Duke will play Nov. 25, the night before Thanksgiving, in Las Vegas. It will be a rematch of the teams’ epic Elite Eight game in the NCAA Tournament in March, and also one of three Duke games that Amazon’s Prime Video will have exclusive rights to under an agreement with the university.
But reports recently also added these games:
UConn vs. Michigan, Nov. 6 in Boston. The Wolverines defeated the Huskies 69-63 in the national championship game in Indianapolis on April 6.
UConn vs. Illinois, Dec. 4 in Chicago. The Huskies beat the Illini twice last season. First in the regular season, then in a national semifinal.
UConn vs. Ohio State in Connecticut, with date to be announced, the Columbus Dispatch reported.
A schedule that includes Duke, Illinois and Michigan would mean that UConn would meet two of the other Final Four teams from the 2026 NCAA Tournament in the regular season.
Furthermore, the Huskies are slated to play Virginia, potentially on Dec. 20 at Madison Square Garden.
Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley and his players react in a time out against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Robert Deutsch-Imagn ImagesBack to the preseason
According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, the Huskies are set to play Purdue in an exhibition contest. It will take place in Connecticut on Oct. 27, but the venue is not finalized.
Rothstein originally said the game will happen at Mohegan Sun, but he then changed it to TBD.
The Boilermakers of the Big Ten will offer yet another challenge for Dan Hurley's team as they try to build into a fourth national title game appearance in five years. Purdue went 30-9 this past season, winning the Big Ten Tournament title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Arizona in the Elite Eight.
Coached by Matt Painter, they've been one of the most successful programs in the country for quite a while now. They've been to the Sweet 16 in eight of the last 10 NCAA Tournaments and also appeared in a title game under Painter.
He has more than 500 career wins.
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