Northwestern men\u2019s basketball has unveiled its 2025\u201326 non-conference schedule, and on paper, it looks both manageable and intriguing. The Wildcats will play six games at Welsh-Ryan Arena, while facing five road contests away from Evanston. The \u201croad\u201d games tell an interesting story: four are on neutral sites, with two games in Chicago\u2014DePaul at Wintrust Arena and Oklahoma State at the United Center. That setup means Northwestern won\u2019t play in a true road environment outside of Big Ten play, a notable factor in preparing for March.<\/p>\n
Beyond familiar foes DePaul and Butler, every other opponent is new compared to last year\u2019s schedule. The Wildcats won\u2019t see a single non-conference team that reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament, but there\u2019s one caveat: Northwestern will travel to Ames for an exhibition against Iowa State, a 2025 NCAA participant that advanced to the second round. While that result won\u2019t count in the standings, it could serve as a valuable measuring stick early on, gauging whether Chris Collins\u2019 team is equipped to return to the tournament after missing it in 2024-25.<\/p>\n
Butler (Dec. 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse)<\/strong><\/p>\n Northwestern\u2019s rematch with Butler stands out on the schedule. Last season, the Wildcats stumbled against the Bulldogs at the Arizona Tip-Off in Tempe, a defeat that highlighted issues with offensive rhythm and late-game execution. This time, NU will have a chance at payback against Butler before the Christmas break. The Bulldogs secured the No. 27-ranked recruiting class, per 247Sports, two spots ahead of Northwestern at No. 29. For Collins\u2019 group, the Butler game doubles as both a measuring stick and a chance to avenge a frustrating loss a year ago.<\/p>\n Greenbrier Tip-Off: Virginia (Nov. 21), South Carolina (Nov. 23)<\/strong><\/p>\n This early-season event will bring two high-major challenges. Virginia, though not the powerhouse of its national championship days, remains one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the country. Former head coach Tony Bennett\u2019s pack-line defense remains in spirit, and it has a way of dictating tempo, something Northwestern guards will need to crack. Two days later, NU will meet South Carolina for the first time in program history. The Gamecocks are rebuilding under Lamont Paris, but their athleticism and SEC style present a very different test compared to Virginia\u2019s slow grind. Navigating this back-to-back stretch successfully could give the Wildcats a significant confidence boost. Two wins, and March feels a lot closer.<\/p>\n Oklahoma State (Nov. 27 at United Center)<\/strong><\/p>\n Another first-time meeting awaits on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago. Oklahoma State missed the tournament last year but made it to the quarterfinals of the NIT Tournament. Having historically produced NBA talent (e.g., Cade Cunningham), the Cowboys would bring Big 12-level toughness under new head coach Steve Lutz. The neutral-site setup at the United Center should give Northwestern a favorable \u201chome-away-from-home\u201d feel, but it\u2019s still a matchup that demands attention, especially against a physical OSU frontcourt.<\/p>\n Mercyhurst (Nov. 3), Boston University (Nov. 7),<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cats will kick off their non-conference schedule against Mercyhurst at Evanston, marking another first-time matchup with a new opponent. The Lakers only moved up to Division I last year, making their trip to Welsh-Ryan a historic opportunity for the program. For Northwestern, though, it\u2019s the kind of game that should serve as a warm-up more than a tough test.<\/p>\n Four days later, Northwestern and Boston University will face off on the court for the first time since 1959. In that sole game, the Wildcats won 78\u201374. A 66-year gap between contests makes this one of the quirkiest storylines on the schedule.<\/p>\n This schedule won\u2019t blow anyone away, but that may be exactly what Northwestern needs. The Wildcats face several first-time opponents (Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Mercyhurst), along with traditional names like Virginia and Butler, creating a blend of manageable matchups and resume-building opportunities. At the same time, the lack of true road tests could leave questions about how well-prepared NU will be for the grind of the Big Ten.<\/p>\n On balance, it\u2019s a non-conference slate that should bring Northwestern wins, but it also comes with unfamiliarity. That means Northwestern will need to avoid slips against lesser-known opponents while proving it can handle marquee moments against Butler, Virginia, and Oklahoma State. If Collins\u2019 squad takes care of business, this schedule could be the springboard to an NCAA Tournament return.<\/p>\n