Report: St. Thomas will open season on the road against mid-major powerhouse

There has been a lot of talk about the Tommies opening their brand-new Lee and Penny Anderson Arena against Army, but before the gates to the new multi-sport arena open for hoops, the Tommies will play on the road against one of the best mid-major programs in the country. 

St. Mary's has qualified for the NCAA Tournament 10 times in the last 18 years, and each of the last four seasons. The 2025-26 season will be the first time St. Thomas is eligible for the Division I NCAA Tournament, so a nonconference meeting with the Gaels is a huge opportunity.

St. Thomas has confirmed it will play in the Portland Invitational nonconference tournament against Cal Fullerton, Northern Colorado and Portland, but the meeting with St. Mary's should be a true Quad 1 opportunity. 

The Tommies should be among the contenders in the Summit League once again this season behind an intriguing transfer portal class and the return of big man Carter Bjerke. The school has yet to release its official nonconference slate.

For what it's worth, the Gophers reportedly reached out about potentially playing an exhibition against St. Thomas, but nothing materialized.