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Gophers Add SMU Showdown for 2026-27 Season
16 Jun
Summary
- Minnesota will play SMU in a neutral-site game.
- The game is scheduled for December 12 in Frisco, Texas.
- This adds a strong opponent to the Gophers' nonconference schedule.

The Minnesota Gophers men's basketball program has scheduled a neutral-site nonconference game against SMU for the 2026-27 season. This matchup is slated to take place on December 12 in Frisco, Texas, as reported by college basketball analyst Rocco Miller. This game represents a notable addition to Minnesota's nonconference slate, offering a formidable challenge.
The contest against SMU is anticipated to be the first of a two-game series, with a future game planned at a neutral site in the North. SMU, under head coach Andy Enfield, has become a strong program, reaching the NCAA Tournament last season and achieving over 20 wins in each of their first two Atlantic Coast Conference seasons. Their roster includes key transfer additions, enhancing their competitive outlook for the upcoming seasons.
This game provides the Gophers with a crucial opportunity to enhance their schedule's strength, a point of historical criticism. Facing a team like SMU, which is expected to contend for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, will offer a valuable resume-building experience. The addition of this game, alongside other scheduled matchups, indicates an improved nonconference schedule for the Gophers compared to recent years.