With the release of Missouri men’s basketball’s schedule last week, there is no better time than now to preview the season. The Tigers face a fairly mild nonconference schedule with a few challenging games sprinkled in, followed by a rigorous stretch of Southeastern Conference play.
Non-Conference/Early Schedule
Missouri kicks off the season with a light three-game stretch, playing Howard, Southeastern Missouri State and Virginia Military Institute.
Missouri’s first real test will come Nov. 12 against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota underwent plenty of roster changes this summer, returning only two scholarship players from last season. As a result, Minnesota was forced to be very aggressive in the transfer portal, snagging a plethora of talented players such as Chansey Willis Jr., Langston Reynolds and Nehemiah Turner.
After Minnesota, Missouri has a light four-game home stretch before going on the road to play Notre Dame Dec. 2 and Kansas Dec. 7. Notre Dame doesn’t pose as much of a threat as Kansas, but a new-look roster led by Markus Burton, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s leading scorer last season, and Jalen Haralson, a composite five-star recruit, could prove to be a challenge.
The 2025-26 Kansas squad may not be as well-rounded as past teams, but that’s not to say they aren’t dangerous. Potential No. 1 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson is set to lead the way for Kansas. Peterson possesses three-level scoring ability paired with phenomenal playmaking skill on both offense and defense. Alongside him is athletic big-man Flory Bidunga, along with scrappy guards Elmarko Jackson and Melvin Council Jr.
Following the Kansas game, the Tigers return home to play Alabama State and Bethune-Cookman. Alabama State doesn’t pose much of a threat, but Bethune-Cookman could be a trap game. Bethune-Cookman has a roster riddled with talented players, such as former five-star recruit Arterio Morris and internet sensation Doctor Bradley — both of whom are extremely talented players with an ability to playmake for themselves and others.
Missouri will take on Illinois Dec. 22 for their final nonconference game in hopes of regaining “Braggin’ Rights.” Illinois underwent a noticeable roster turnover this summer and retooled through both the transfer portal and the overseas market, adding Andrej Stojakovic and David Mirkovic, while returning two key contributors Tomislav Ivisic and Kylan Boswell,
Conference Play
Every SEC team will prove to be challenging due to the conference’s overall talent. Even bottom-dweller teams will have a few capable players that could give the Tigers problems on any given night. The following games project to be especially challenging for the Tigers.
Missouri starts conference play Jan. 3 by hosting the reigning national champions, the Florida Gators. The Gators return big-man trio Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, all of who played a significant role for the Gators last season. Additionally, Florida replaced their star-studded backcourt of last year with star guards Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland.
Immediately following Florida, the Tigers are set to play at Kentucky Jan. 7. Otega Oweh will lead the way for the Wildcats, returning to the team following his All-SEC campaign. Oweh’s skillset will blend in seamlessly with the shooting prowess of Tulane transfer Kam Williams and Florida transfer Denzell Aberdeen. Pittsburgh transfer Jaland Lowe and Arizona State transfer Jayden Quaintance add much-needed playmaking on both ends of the floor for Kentucky.
Missouri’s next challenge will be a home game against Auburn Jan. 14. Auburn brought back star point guard Tahaad Pettiford, who was sensational down the stretch of last season. Alongside him is University of Central Florida transfer Keyshawn Hall and No. 1-junior college transfer Abdul Bashir.
Following Auburn, Missouri has a less daunting stretch of games before running into the Alabama Crimson Tide Jan. 27. Sophomore Labaron Philon Jr. looks to lead the way for the Tide in hopes of solidifying himself as a first-round pick. Next to him the backcourt will be score-first guards Aden Holloway and Jalil Bethea, while London Jemison and Davion Hannah are also projected to be impact players.
Missouri’s final challenge of conference play projects to be a home game versus Tennessee Feb. 24. Tennessee will not be the deepest or most talented team that Missouri plays this season, but projected top-10 pick Nate Ament and Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie could give the Tigers problems.
Despite the difficult nature of the Tigers’ schedule, they should be able to, at worst, replicate the success of last season. Expect junior Anthony Robinson II and senior Mark Mitchell to lead the Tigers to a tournament bid, winning 18 to 24 games.
Edited by Killian Wright | [email protected]
Copy edited by Maren Hettler and Avery Copeland | [email protected]
Edited by Alex Gribb | [email protected]
