Countdown to tip-off: Men’s basketball non-conference schedule preview

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor

With less than two months until the Siegel Center is packed with fans, VCU men’s basketball officially released its non-conference schedule. 

The Rams are embarking on a new era under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. and nine new players.

Here are the non-conference matchups that will dictate the rest of VCU’s season: 

VCU vs. Utah State University (Nov. 7)

Fort Worth, Texas, will host the matchup between VCU and Utah State. It has been five years since these teams faced each other, with VCU taking the win 85-69. The Aggies finished their season 26-8, making the NCAA tournament with an at-large bid as a No. 10 seed. This is their third consecutive appearance following their invitation to the tournament as a No. 8 seed in 2024 and a No. 10 seed in 2023. Utah State is known for winning matchups at any scale. 

VCU at North Carolina State University (Nov. 17)

VCU will hit the road to Raleigh, North Carolina, to face American Coast Conference opponent N.C. State for the first time in school history. N.C. State is led by former VCU coach Will Wade, who joined the Wolfpack following a challenging season. The team previously finished 12-19 overall and missed the NCAA tournament, despite an impressive run to the Final Four in 2024.  Winning the game could help VCU advance to the NCAA tournament. 

VCU vs. University of South Florida (Nov. 26) 

The two teams will meet at Nassau, Bahamas, in the Battle 4 Atlantis. If VCU wins, they will face either Vanderbilt or Western Kentucky, as well as another team that has not been determined. The Bulls had a rocky season where they ended with a 13-19 record and missed out on the NCAA tournament. This matchup is familiar territory for VCU, as they have won two of the last three games, according to VCU Athletics. 

VCU vs. New Mexico University (Dec. 10)

VCU will have home court advantage when they take on mid-major powerhouse New Mexico. The Lobos are coming off a strong season, ending with a 27-8 overall and 17-3 conference record, according to New Mexico Athletics. New Mexico advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament after defeating seventh-seeded Marquette. The Lobos are under new leadership with head coach Eric Olen. 

The Rams’ non-conference schedule is packed with chances to boost their NCAA resume. These four matches will be crucial to building their at-large chances.