The Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball program, under the guidance of head coach Darian DeVries, is clearly not shying away from competition in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Far from it. As the calendar flips to July, the Hoosiers have already unveiled a non-conference schedule packed with “heavy hitters” and, perhaps most notably, a highly anticipated resurrection of their historic rivalry with the Kentucky Wildcats. This strategic scheduling reflects a clear intent to prepare for the rigorous expanded Big Ten Conference and make a significant statement on the national stage.
The unveiling of the non-conference slate on July 1, 2025, has generated immense excitement among the Hoosier faithful. DeVries, entering his first season in Bloomington, has meticulously crafted a schedule designed to challenge his squad early and often, build a robust NCAA Tournament resume, and provide high-profile matchups for the passionate fanbase.
At the pinnacle of the non-conference schedule is the confirmed return of the Indiana vs. Kentucky rivalry. After more than a decade of a cold war, these two college basketball titans will renew their storied series on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. This is more than just a game; it’s a monumental event that transcends basketball, evoking decades of passionate rivalry, iconic moments, and countless debates over bragging rights. The agreement is for a four-year series, ensuring this clash of blue bloods will be a staple on the national calendar for the foreseeable future. For a program looking to re-establish itself at the very top, taking on a program of Kentucky’s caliber, particularly at their home court, immediately raises the profile of the Hoosiers’ season.
Beyond the Kentucky game, Indiana has loaded its non-conference schedule with several other high-major opponents, ensuring a demanding early test for DeVries’ new-look roster.
- Marquette (November 9, 2025, United Center, Chicago): This neutral-site clash against a strong Big East program like Marquette will be an early barometer for the Hoosiers. Marquette consistently fields competitive teams under Shaka Smart, known for their aggressive defense and up-tempo offense. It’s a prime opportunity for Indiana to test itself against a potential NCAA Tournament team on a big stage.
- Louisville (December 6, 2025, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis): The annual rivalry with the Louisville Cardinals continues, this time at a neutral site in Indianapolis. While Louisville has faced recent struggles, this game always carries significant weight for both fanbases and remains a high-profile matchup. It’s a regional battle that adds another layer of intensity to the early December slate.
- Kansas State (November 25, 2025, Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington): Hosting a Big 12 opponent like Kansas State at Assembly Hall provides another high-quality home test. Kansas State, under Jerome Tang, has shown the ability to contend in a tough league, and this matchup will be a critical non-conference game for NCAA Tournament seeding implications. It marks the first time Indiana has faced Kansas State since 1998, reviving an older series.
The complete non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 season is as follows:
This schedule features eight home games at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, providing ample opportunities for the passionate Hoosier Nation to support the team.
While the non-conference schedule is set, the Big Ten portion of the schedule, with its specific dates, tip times, and television designations, will be announced at a later date, typically closer to the fall. However, the Big Ten has already released the conference opponents for the 2025-26 season, which now includes the formidable additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. This expansion makes the Big Ten arguably the deepest and most challenging conference in college basketball.
Indiana’s Big Ten slate will feature a 20-game schedule. They will play three opponents both home and away, seven opponents only at home, and seven opponents only on the road.
This Big Ten schedule is a true gauntlet. The home-and-home series with Purdue, Michigan State, and Minnesota ensure traditional rivalries are maintained. The addition of the West Coast teams significantly increases the quality and travel demands of the conference schedule. Playing UCLA and USC on the road, for example, represents major tests against programs with rich histories and strong rosters.
Coach Darian DeVries has clearly prioritized building a strength of schedule that will prepare his team for March Madness and bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. A challenging non-conference slate, combined with the expanded and highly competitive Big Ten, means Indiana will face elite competition almost every night.
This approach signifies:
- NCAA Tournament Positioning: A difficult schedule provides ample opportunities for Quadrant 1 wins, which are crucial for improving an NCAA Tournament seed. Even a few losses against top-tier opponents won’t be as damaging if the overall strength of schedule is high.
- Player Development: Playing against top-tier talent pushes players to improve. It exposes weaknesses and highlights areas for growth, accelerating player development throughout the season.
- Fan Engagement: High-profile games generate immense excitement, boosting ticket sales, viewership, and overall fan engagement. The return of the Kentucky rivalry, in particular, is a massive draw.
- Recruiting Tool: A schedule packed with “heavy hitters” is an attractive selling point for recruits who aspire to play against the best and compete on the national stage.
The 2025-26 season is shaping up to be an intensely competitive and highly anticipated one for the Indiana Hoosiers. With a demanding non-conference schedule highlighted by the rekindled Kentucky rivalry and a Big Ten slate made even tougher by the new additions, the Hoosiers are packing their calendar with the kind of challenges that will define their season and determine their path to national prominence. Fans should prepare for a high-stakes, thrilling ride.
