Update on BYU Non-Conference Schedule with Northwestern Added

Mar 18, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kevin Young answers questions during a press conference before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

BYU’s 2026 non-conference schedule is nearing completion. Jon Rothstein reported Friday that BYU will play Northwestern in the Delta Center (SLC) this coming season.

Teams can schedule 32 games this upcoming season, up from the previous 31, meaning BYU will have 14 non-conference games and 18 Big 12 games. Sources have told me of the 14 non-conference games, BYU is expected to schedule 7 Q1/Q2 games and then the other 7 as “buy” games in Provo.

Below is what we know about the schedule.

Exhibitions:

• vs Nebraksa, 10/16 in Provo — One source told me this will be the first exhibition game. It is the day before the Notre Dame football game in Provo.
• BYU will schedule one more exhibition game open to the public and then potentially play one more closed-door scrimmage, sources tell me.

Q1/Q2 games

• vs Ohio State, 11/2 in SLC — this is the season opener. Ohio State was an 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year
• vs Utah State, 12/9 in Provo
• vs San Diego State, 12/19 in Palm Springs
• vs Northwestern, TBD date in SLC
• 3 games in Maui Invitational over Thanksgiving — Field includes Arizona, Washington, VCU, Providence, Ole Miss, Colorado State, Clemson

I expect those to be BYU’s 7 Q1/Q2 non-conference games. There was talk last year about BYU returning the Wisconsin game, but sources told me that will end up being a one-off and not be returned.

Other Games