Dec 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Fairleigh Dickinson Knights head coach Jack Castleberry reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers reportedly add a pair of opponents to 2025-26 nonconference schedule

Originally posted on Minnesota Golden Gophers on SI
By Tony Liebert | Last updated May 16, 2025 12:07 PM ET

Minnesota is in the middle of building its 2025-26 nonconference schedule, and they've reportedly added home games with Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU) and Alcorn State.

The Gophers hosted FDU last season and took down the Knights 74-60. This season's matchup is expected to take place on December 29. Minnesota and most power conference programs usually host low-major opponents the week after Christmas, as it's typically a quiet period in the sport before conference play officially begins in the new year.

SCHEDULE: The Gophers are expected to host Fairleigh Dickinson on Monday, Dec. 29, as part of their nonconference schedule, per @WiscyBusiness

It will be their third all-time matchup, with Minnesota winning most recently 74-60 last season. https://t.co/YlemZ7uZFs pic.twitter.com/QOlBAqVDmq
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) May 16, 2025

Fairleigh Dickinson is known for its first-round upset win over Purdue in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, but the Knights play in the Northeast Conference (NEC), which is routinely among the worst in the sport. This is almost guaranteed to be a Quad 4 game for Minnesota at Williams Arena.

Minnesota is expected to host Alcorn State earlier in the season on Saturday, November 8. This game lands on a bye week for the football team, so it could be a showcase spot for the men's basketball team on a fall weekend.

SCHEDULE: The Gophers are expected to host Alcorn State on Saturday, Nov. 8, as a part of their 2025-26 nonconference slate, per @WiscyBusiness

Alcorn St. hired Jake Morton as its new HC this offseason after Landon Bussie left for Chicago St. They've had a winning conference… pic.twitter.com/BuyXYRrAct
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) May 16, 2025

Much like FDU, Alcorn State competes in the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC), which is annually among the worst leagues in the sport. It will be the first season for new head coach Jake Morton, after Landon Bussie left for Chicago State this offseason. This is also almost guaranteed to be a Quad 4 game for Minnesota.