University of Houston unveils demanding 2026-27 basketball slate
The Cougars face a rigorous 18-game Big 12 schedule, opening conference play against TCU and concluding the regular season at home against Arizona.
The University of Houston has released its official 2026-27 men’s basketball schedule, marking the completion of conference planning for the Big 12. The slate features 18 conference games, with the Cougars set to open their Big 12 campaign at home against TCU on 2 January. This match serves as the start of a demanding opening month for the program under head coach Kelvin Sampson.
The early portion of the season is characterised by a heavy concentration of high-profile home fixtures. Following the TCU opener, Houston is scheduled to host Iowa State on 13 January, Texas Tech on 19 January, and BYU on 30 January. The January home schedule is rounded out by a matchup against Kansas on 1 March, according to the released timetable.
The remaining home conference games include contests against Utah on 13 February, Oklahoma State on 21 February, and Colorado on 24 February. The regular season will conclude with a home game against Arizona on 6 March, providing a final opportunity for the Cougars to secure their standing before the postseason.
On the road, the schedule presents a series of challenging assignments. Houston will travel to Kansas State on 5 January, Baylor on 10 January, and Colorado on 16 January. Later in the season, road trips are scheduled against Arizona State on 23 January, Arizona on 6 February, UCF on 10 February, Texas Tech on 15 February, West Virginia on 27 February, and Cincinnati on 2 March.
The non-conference slate includes seven home games, beginning with La Salle on 2 November. Other home opponents include Jacksonville State, Oakland, Queens, Central Arkansas, Texas State, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Notably, the Cougars will host LSU at Toyota Center on 13 December, marking the third consecutive year of this rivalry matchup.
Neutral-site and tournament play will occupy key dates in late 2026. The Cougars are scheduled to play California in Lake Tahoe on 8 November, followed by three games at the Players Era Championship between 17 and 19 November. Opponents for the tournament include Rutgers and either Florida or Notre Dame. The non-conference schedule also features neutral-site games against Alabama at Madison Square Garden on 8 December and Florida State in Jacksonville on 20 December.
