Penn State basketball unveils full 2026-27 nonconference schedule

Penn State basketball's nonconference schedule is complete, and the Nittany Lions have an interesting mix of competiton to prepare them for Big Ten play.

Non-con schedule is here 😤#WeAre | https://t.co/A4zL977Mz8pic.twitter.com/3t8aVdFOCL

— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) August 13, 2026

Two things stick out about Mike Rhoades' approach to the nonconference slate - first, Penn State will play three in-state opponents in three different locations: The Palestra Game vs. Pitt on Nov. 8; the "Return to Rec Hall" game vs. Lafayette on Dec. 19; and the nonconference finale against Saint Joseph's on Dec. 22 in Hershey's Giant Center.

The Palestra Game is a change of pace from recent years as Penn State usually reserved its trip to Philadelphia for a Big Ten opponent in January. Overall, this element of the schedule is a testament to Rhoades' commitment to making Penn State basketball accessible to as many people in the commonwealth as possible.

Secondly, the early season test in the Battle 4 Atlantis will showcase how seriously Penn State should be taken as a contender in conference play. Two of the potential opponents (Mississippi State, Wake Forest) are high-major programs, and Memphis is one of the more respected mid-major programs in the country.

Then there are the oppoents where Penn State will be heavy favorites; Mercyhurst and New Haven - the latter of which is making a return trip to Happy Valley after hosting last season - are still in their Division I infancy; Chattanooga was below average in 25-26, as was UAlbany and Canisius; IU Indy only won seven games last year and has a mostly new roster; and UT Martin did win 22 games and reached the OVC semifinals, so it depends on how much one values that conference.

Overall, the nonconference schedule is well-balanced for a team with a lot of new faces. If the program is ready to compete, there is enough high-major competition to start the resume on the right foot before Big Ten play. If the program isn't ready, or if it takes time for it to come together, there are enough favorable matchups that Penn State won't fall too far behind before the Christmas break.

Here is the full nonconference portion of the Penn State basketball schedule for 2026-27.

Penn State basketball 2026-27 nonconference schedule

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State basketball unveils full 2026-27 nonconference schedule