Mark Your Calendars: Iowa State Unveils Stacked 2025–26 Non-Conference Lineup Featuring Heavyweights Creighton and Purdue
The Iowa State Cyclones are set to face one of their most challenging non-conference schedules in recent memory during the 2025–26 men’s basketball season. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger has assembled a formidable slate that includes matchups against top-tier programs such as Creighton and Purdue.(BoilerUpload)
Purdue Series Highlights
A marquee feature of the upcoming schedule is a home-and-home series with the Purdue Boilermakers. The first game will take place at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, in the 2025 season, with the return game scheduled for Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, during the 2026 season. This series marks the sixth all-time meeting between the two programs, with the most recent encounter being a 2017 NCAA Tournament second-round matchup where Purdue narrowly defeated Iowa State 80–76 .(BoilerUpload, Iowa State University Athletics, Purdue Boilermakers)
Creighton Matchup
In addition to the Purdue series, Iowa State will host Creighton at Hilton Coliseum. Creighton, a perennial powerhouse in the Big East Conference, is known for its high-powered offense and will provide a significant challenge for the Cyclones. The exact date for this game has yet to be announced, but it is expected to be a highlight of the non-conference schedule.
Other Notable Opponents
The Cyclones will also face several other formidable opponents in the 2025–26 season:
- Marquette: A strong team from the Big East Conference, Marquette is known for its aggressive defense and fast-paced offense.
- Alabama: Representing the Southeastern Conference, Alabama brings a physical style of play and will test Iowa State’s resilience.
- Auburn: Another SEC opponent, Auburn is recognized for its athleticism and depth, making this matchup a must-watch.
Conclusion
With a non-conference schedule featuring heavyweights like Purdue, Creighton, Marquette, Alabama, and Auburn, the Iowa State Cyclones are poised for an exciting and competitive season. These games will not only challenge the team but also provide fans with thrilling basketball action. As the season approaches, fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable slate of games.(Purdue Boilermakers)
