Men’s Basketball Announces Challenging Non-Conference Schedule, Finalizes 2026-27 Slate
9/11/2026 11:32:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Youngstown, Ohio –The Youngstown State men's basketball team unveiled a challenging 2026-27 non-conference schedule highlighted by teams from the Atlantic-10, Big Ten, Big XII, Mid-American, Southeastern, and Sun Belt conferences and finalized its 2026-27 schedule, Head Coach Ethan Faulkner announced.
The Penguins, who will play a total of 16 home contests in 2026-27, open the campaign with three straight games on the road at St. Bonaventure on Nov. 2, Ohio State on Nov. 6, and Central Michigan on Nov. 10. Youngstown State visited the Bonnies last season and dropped an 84-80 decision. This will be the second meeting in the last three years against the Buckeyes and the seventh overall. The Penguins have won the last two contests against the Chippewas in 2021 and 2022.
The 2026-27 home opener is set against Sun Belt Conference member Marshall on Nov. 14. The Penguins and Thundering Herd square off for the first time since 2005, and the game marks the first contest at Zidian Family Arena and the first time Youngstown State has hosted Marshall since 1949.
The Penguins head back on the road to take on in-state foe Cincinnati on Nov. 18. The Bearcats, who went 18-15 last season, are led by former Youngstown State head coach Jerrod Calhoun. The game marks the first time since 2000 that the Penguins will square off against the Bearcats.
Youngstown State returns to Zidian Family Arena to host a multi-team event, Nov. 22-23, featuring Horizon League foe IU Indy, William & Mary, and Maryland-Eastern Shore. The Penguins will play The Tribe and Hawks in the MTE.
The Penguins close out their three-game homestand against Bryant & Stratton (Ohio), Nov. 27, at Zidian Family Arena.
The Penguins head to the Palmetto State for a battle against SEC member South Carolina on Saturday, Dec. 12. This marks the Penguins' first contest against an opponent from the SEC since 2014 when they faced Texas A&M on Dec. 13, 2014. The Penguins and Gamecocks met previously on Jan. 21, 1989.
For the first time in program history, Youngstown State will play consecutive games against the SEC when it travels to Oxford, Miss., to take on Mississippi for the first time on Dec. 15.
The Penguins close out the non-conference portion of the slate hosting Penn State Shenango, Dec. 18, and Bethany, Dec. 20.
2026-27 Non-Conference Schedule
Nov. 2 – at St. Bonaventure
Nov. 6 – at Ohio State
Nov. 10 - at Central Michigan
Nov. 14 – Marshall
Nov. 18 – at Cincinnati
Nov. 22 – William & Mary
Nov. 23 – Maryland-Eastern Shore
Nov. 27 – Bryant & Stratton (Ohio)
Dec. 12 – at South Carolina
Dec. 15 – at Mississippi
Dec. 18 – Penn State Shenango
Dec. 20 – Bethany
