ASU men’s basketball has almost completely revamped its roster from a year ago, and a 13-game nonconference schedule awaits the Sun Devils. 

Last season, ASU went 9-2 in nonconference play, but was unable to carry that momentum into conference play, where they went 4-16. With only two members returning from last year’s squad, this initial slate of games could prove crucial in building the team’s chemistry.

UC Irvine, Oct. 12 in Irvine, CA

ASU will kick off its schedule in an exhibition against UC Irvine, a member of the Big West Conference. Irvine finished 32-7 last year and was the runner-up in the National Invitation Tournament to Chattanooga. 

Texas A&M, Oct. 26 in Houston

The Sun Devils’ final exhibition will take place against Texas A&M as part of The Preview College Basketball Exhibition series. The Aggies finished No. 19 in the country with a 23-11 record but were bounced from the NCAA Tournament in the second round by Michigan. 

Southern Utah, Nov. 4 in Tempe

ASU’s home opener will take place against Southern Utah, which went 12-19 last season. ASU is 5-0 all-time against the Thunderbirds and has won nine straight home openers under head coach Bobby Hurley.

Utah Tech, Nov. 9 in Tempe

The Sun Devils stay in Tempe to face off against Utah Tech for the first time in program history. The Trailblazers went 7-26 last season and have added eight new members to their roster.

Gonzaga, Nov. 14 in Tempe

Perhaps ASU’s most anticipated matchup is against Gonzaga as part of a home-and-home agreement that began last season. Last year, the Sun Devils lost a close battle 88-80 at Gonzaga and will now welcome the Bulldogs to Tempe. 

Gonzaga also added former Sun Devil guard Adam Miller, who transferred after two years with the maroon and gold, further strengthening an already experienced squad that went 26-9 in last season. 

Georgia State, Nov. 17 in Tempe

The last of ASU’s four-game homestand is against Georgia State, another first-time opponent. The Panthers went 14-19 last season and are led by redshirt sophomore guard Jelani Hamilton and junior guard Malachi Brown. 

Hawaii, Nov. 20 in Honolulu

After a mediocre 2025 season where they finished 15-16, Hawaii added numerous pieces to its roster, including Norfolk State transfer graduate forward Jalen Myers and South Dakota transfer graduate guard Dre Bullock. ASU holds an 8-4 edge all-time against the Rainbow Warriors. 

Maui Invitational, Nov. 24–26 in Lahaina

ASU will then participate in the Maui Invitational, featuring programs like USC, NC State, and host Chaminade. The Sun Devils will take on a Texas squad that went 19-16 last year and lost in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Oklahoma, Dec. 6 in Phoenix

ASU will feature in the Jerry Colangelo Classic for the second consecutive year, facing off against Oklahoma in PHX Arena, home of the Mercury and Suns. Last year, ASU took down GCU 87-76 in the same arena. The Sun Devils and Sooners have split the all-time series 1-1 heading into this matchup.

NAU, Dec. 9 in Tempe

Two Arizona schools will butt heads as ASU returns home for the first time since Nov. 17. The Sun Devils hold an 80-59 all-time advantage against Northern Arizona, with the most recent meeting in 2022 going ASU’s way 84-68.

Santa Clara, Dec. 13 in Las Vegas

A second consecutive neutral-site meeting with Santa Clara awaits the Sun Devils in Las Vegas. ASU has won seven straight against the Broncos, including an 81-74 victory last November. 

UCLA, Dec. 17 in Los Angeles

ASU will travel to Southern California to face off against former Pac-12 foe UCLA for the 101st meeting in the two programs’ history. As part of a home-and-home agreement, UCLA will visit Tempe at a later date. The Bruins eked out a 68-66 win against ASU in their last matchup back in January 2024. 

Oregon State, Dec. 21 in Tempe

ASU closes out its nonconference schedule with a showdown against Oregon State. The Beavers went 20-13 last year but lost their last meeting with the Sun Devils 84-71 in 2024. ASU holds the all-time series advantage 55-45.

Edited by Jack McCarthy, Henry Smardo and Ellis Preston.

Reach the reporter at pvallur2@asu.edu and follow @PrathamValluri on X.

Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.

Pratham ValluriSports Reporter

Pratham Valluri is a sports reporter at The State Press. He is a junior majoring in sports journalism with a business minor. He’s in his 5th semester with The State Press working previously as an opinion writer.

Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.