Ten at Home: Wildcats’ 2025-26 Non-Conference Slate Stacked with Home Games
The Kansas State Wildcats have unveiled their 2025-26 non-conference men’s basketball schedule, and it’s a fan’s dream come true. Headlining the slate is the fact that 10 of their 13 non-conference matchups will take place at Bramlage Coliseum, offering Wildcat Nation plenty of early opportunities to see their team in action. For a program looking to make a major statement in a pivotal season, this home-heavy schedule could be exactly what Coach Jerome Tang needs.
Coming off a season of ups and downs, Tang enters the 2025-26 campaign under the microscope. With heightened expectations and a retooled roster, getting off to a strong start will be vital. Fortunately for the Wildcats, playing in front of their home crowd — affectionately dubbed the “Octagon of Doom” — gives them a competitive edge that few teams can replicate.
The non-conference schedule begins with a series of tune-up games against mid-major opponents, aimed at building chemistry and confidence. Teams such as Northern Colorado, UC Davis, and South Alabama will test the Wildcats’ discipline and focus. While these programs may not be household names, they each bring unique challenges that can expose early flaws — something the coaching staff will look to iron out before Big 12 play begins.
However, it’s not all cupcakes and warmups. The Wildcats will face a pair of high-stakes matchups, including a home clash with an SEC powerhouse — rumored to be the Arkansas Razorbacks — and a trip to the coast to take on a Top-25 contender in a neutral-site event. These tests are designed to prepare Kansas State for the grind of conference play while providing resume-boosting opportunities for the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
The true storyline, though, is the home-court advantage. With 10 games at Bramlage, the Wildcats have the chance to set the tone early and build momentum before heading into the gauntlet that is the Big 12. A strong showing at home not only boosts confidence but could also elevate the team in national rankings — a key factor for seeding in March.
This strategic scheduling could also prove beneficial for the development of the team’s younger core. With several freshmen and transfers expected to log significant minutes, playing in a familiar environment can ease their transition and reduce early-season pressure.
Coach Tang, entering what many view as a defining year of his tenure, knows what’s at stake. A strong non-conference performance, especially on home soil, could be the difference between a deep tournament run and falling short of expectations.
In sum, Kansas State’s 2025-26 non-conference schedule offers a blend of winnable games, valuable tests, and a heavy dose of home-court comfort. With Wildcat fans sure to pack Bramlage from opening night, the foundation is in place for an electric start to a season that could shape the future of the program.
