Finding the initial major challenge for each preseason top 25 team in men’s college basketball

October 15, 2025

Exciting Non-Conference Scheduling in College Basketball

While there are certainly plenty of gripes about college basketball today, there seems to be one universal truth: non-conference scheduling is thriving. Seriously, it’s better than it’s been in a while.

Remember not too long ago when many preseason top 25 teams would start the season playing against, well, not the toughest competition? It’s refreshing that teams ranked this year are gearing up for legitimate challenges before December arrives.

With the Associated Press Top 25 poll on the horizon, it’s a good time to look at the major early tests that await these teams as they aim to shape the national rankings for the 2025-26 season.

First Big Test: November 13 vs. Alabama

Purdue kicks off the season at No. 1, marking a historic moment for the program. They’ll likely hold onto that top spot with games against Evansville and Oakland before heading to Tuscaloosa. That matchup, featuring two of the strongest offenses in college basketball, will put Purdue’s defensive skills to the test.

First Big Test: November 16 vs. Auburn

Houston will face Lehigh, Towson, and Oakland ahead of a “neutral” site game against Auburn. Although Auburn’s stature dimmed a bit with coach Bruce Pearl’s retirement, their clash is still a must-watch in the second week of the season.

First Big Test: November 3 vs. Arizona

The reigning champions, Florida, won’t ease into this season. They kick things off with a Hall of Fame Series game against No. 13 Arizona, which should definitely set the tone for an intense season, followed by various high-stakes games in the month.

First Big Test: November 15 vs. BYU

It’s a top-10 face-off when UConn takes on BYU at TD Garden in Boston. There’s buzz surrounding freshman AJ Divanza, and for Danny Hurley’s squad, this is a chance to show they’re back in the title conversation after last season’s struggles.

First Big Test: November 8 vs. Alabama

St. John’s starts strong with a game against Alabama. They’ve only faced them a handful of times, with the last meeting being in the 1982 NCAA Tournament, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how this unfolds in Madison Square Garden.

First Big Test: November 4 vs. Texas

While some might point to Duke’s matchup against Kansas later in the month, the season opener against Texas looks to be a critical clash. The Blue Devils could face stiff competition early on, especially playing on a court in Charlotte that feels a bit like home turf.

First Big Test: November 24 vs. San Diego State University

Michigan faces Wake Forest and TCU before a big matchup against San Diego State. If they’re a legit top-10 team, they’ll have to prevail in those first games to build momentum for that encounter.

First Big Test: November 3 vs. Villanova

BYU’s highly anticipated season starts with a duel against Villanova in Las Vegas. Will Kevin Willard’s new Wildcats stack up? It’s bound to be an intriguing opener.

First Big Test: November 11 at Louisville

The Wildcats are set to host a few easier games before heading to Kentucky in what promises to be an exciting early season rivalry game—one that could set the tone for both teams.

First Big Test: November 11 vs. Illinois

The Red Raiders shouldn’t have too much trouble in their initial matchups before contesting No. 17 Illinois in a game likely to showcase both teams’ growing strengths.

First Big Test: November 11 vs. Kentucky

Louisville, under Pat Kelce, looks to restore its position among contenders, and pulling off a win against Kentucky would be a significant step in that direction.

First Big Test: November 14 vs. Arizona

UCLA will start the season strong, anticipating a three-game series with Arizona. It feels a bit odd to label this rivalry as non-conference, but at least they’re facing off.

First Big Test: November 3 vs. Florida

Florida versus Kentucky on opening night? Yeah, that’s bound to be something special.

Big things are in store again.

First Big Test: November 8 vs. Arkansas

Michigan State will face a tough opponent right off the bat with Arkansas. This highly competitive game is the perfect start to their challenging schedule.

First Big Test: November 11 at Gonzaga

Creighton finds itself under pressure, trying to bridge a gap left by mixed rankings as they head into matches that could define their season early on.

First Big Test: November 21 vs. BYU

The Badgers have some light games before an intriguing matchup against BYU, which could attract quite the crowd and a bit of excitement as the season unfolds.