As the University of Arizona men’s basketball team enters its second year in the Big 12 conference, Wildcat fans are high with anticipation of what Arizona’s 2025-2026 season campaign will look like. Arizona is ranked No. 13 in the AP preseason poll to begin the season as the Wildcats look towards a schedule where they’ll face 12 ranked opponents.
Arizona vs. No. 3 University of Florida
Monday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m.
Opening the season against the reigning NCAA Champions, the Florida Gators, Arizona will be traveling to Las Vegas to meet Florida for the fifth time as part of the Hall of Fame Series. The two programs hold a 2-2 series record, with their last meeting in 2012, when the No. 8 Wildcats overcame the No. 5 Gators in a 65-64 victory as Mark Lyons made a basket with just seven seconds left, all in McKale Center.
Despite Florida coming off its third NCAA title and a 36-4 record, the Gators have had to adjust to losing players to the transfer portal, NBA Draft and other departure reasons. The Wildcats have also had time to rebuild with nine players returning, six freshmen joining and a transfer player also being an addition to this year’s team.
Arizona vs. Utah Tech University
Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
Heading into its second matchup against Utah Tech, the Wildcats have a brief history with the Trailblazers as the two programs have only met once before. In the lone matchup that took place on Nov. 11, 2022, Arizona beat Utah Tech 104-77 at home. With this game taking place on Arizona’s home floor, the Wildcats look to keep up their momentum against the Trailblazers as they head into November.
Arizona vs. NAU
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.
NAU and Arizona head into their 130th matchup against each other in mid-November. The Wildcats hold a 102-27 series lead over the Lumberjacks and look to claim another win come Nov. 11. The two programs have a long standing history, first meeting in 1919 as Arizona fell in a 37-32 loss and have met each other on a regular basis since then. The most recent matchup took place on Nov. 9, 2021, where the Wildcats won 81-52 on their home floor. Notably, the Wildcats have won the last 36 meetings against NAU, making the matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 11, one to root for as Wildcat fans await the duel in the desert.
Arizona vs. UCLA
Friday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.
The Wildcats are 3-1 in their last four matchups against the Bruins. UCLA holds a 64-50 series lead over Arizona, making Nov. 14 a matchup that the Wildcats look to conquer. In the 115th meeting together, Arizona will have to find a way to get past a UCLA team that has just made its debut in the Big Ten Conference.
The Bruins, who are under head coach Mick Cronin, have added five transfers to their roster, including University of New Mexico point guard Donovan Dent, who averaged a stat line of 20.4 ppg and 6.4 assist, shooting 49% on field goals. If Arizona wants to beat UCLA on its home floor in Intuit Dome, the Wildcats must look for strong performances from players like Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas and Jaden Bradley to push the pace and protect the ball under pressure.
Arizona vs. University of Connecticut
Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m.
Despite these two programs’ prestigious basketball histories, UConn and Arizona have only faced each other once before. In the March 26, 2011 nail-biter during the NCAA Tournament, Arizona fell to a 65-63 defeat to the Huskies, forcing them out of the Elite Eight. Notably, the Huskies went onto win the tournament title. The two teams have unfinished business as the Wildcats come in hungry for a victory as this early season matchup can shape the NCAA seeding.
Arizona vs. University of Denver
Monday, Nov, 24 at 8:30 p.m.
The Wildcats return home to face a Denver team that they hold a 3-1 series record over. The only loss came when Arizona visited Denver, losing 72-70 in 1965. Arizona and Denver have not met since Dec. 4, 1985, where Arizona won 63-54 at home. This matchup marks the first meeting in 40 years, making it a nostalgic game to mark on your calendars. As Arizona enters as a ranked opponent facing a mid-major program from the Summit League, the Wildcats look to use their depth and athleticism to dominate.
Arizona vs. Norfolk State University
Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.
Arizona has never faced Norfolk State in an official game as the two programs’ paths have rarely crossed due to differences in conference, location and scheduling. As Arizona enters as a top-ranked team while Norfolk State looks to pull off an upset, the Wildcats will want to bring their elite talent, depth and tempo, led by Bradley and other players like five-star freshman Koa Peat to take on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team. For Norfolk State, controlling possessions and putting pressure on Arizona will be key to a close game.
Arizona vs. University of Auburn
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.
Arizona remains home to face Auburn. The schools have met twice before, with the Wildcats being defeated in both matchups. Arizona is 0-2 against Auburn, as the only matchups have come in 1986, in a 73-63 defeat and most recently in 2018, in Hawaii, where the Wildcats lost 73-57. With Arizona never claiming a win over Auburn, this matchup offers a chance to change that, as both teams are ranked heading into the season, making it a marquee non-conference showdown. Auburn’s veteran backcourt will have to face a fast-paced Arizona offense that is hungry for a victory.
Arizona vs. University of Alabama
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Arizona heads on the road to Birmingham, Alabama, to face an Alabama team that it’s previously seen five times. The Crimson Tide hold a 3-2 series lead over the Wildcats as their most previous matchup was Dec. 20, 2023, where Arizona won 87-74 in a neutral setting. Expect a high-scoring game as both teams look to make runs and excel on offense early. A win here can boost either program’s NCAA resume heading into conference play.
Arizona vs. Abilene Christian University
Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
Arizona will return to Tucson to face Abilene Christian on Dec. 16, as the Wildcats hope for a decisive home matchup. As Arizona enters the season ranked, while Abilene Christian is in a rebuild after recording a .500 campaign, sitting just outside the top 100 in preseason rankings, this matchup is one that Wildcat fans should look forward to as they cheer on the home team.
Arizona vs. San Diego State University
Saturday, Dec. 20 at 8:30 p.m.
On a short road trip to Phoenix, Arizona will take on San Diego State for the 33rd time in program history in the Mortgage Matchup Center. The rivalry between the two teams dates back to 1945, where Arizona lost 39-36 in San Diego. Most recently, the Wildcats have won the last five consecutive games against the Warriors. Expect a gritty and high-level game that will incorporate San Diego’s lockdown defense as Arizona tries to excel in transition and clean ball movement.
Arizona vs. Bethune-Cookman University
Monday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
At home, Arizona awaits Bethune-Cookman, as the two teams have previously faced once before on Nov. 23, 2010, where the Wildcats won 78-45 in Tucson. Despite Arizona being heavily favored to win with elite talent and depth, the Southwestern Athletic Conference team will be a test for freshmen faces in the midst of December.
Arizona vs. South Dakota State University
Monday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m.
Remaining at home, the Wildcats face South Dakota State for only its second matchup in program history. South Dakota State remains a consistent contender in the Summit League, known for its disciplined offense and strong shooting, as Arizona will have to combat it with a fast-paced and high-possession game to challenge SDSU’s approach.
Arizona vs. University of Utah
Saturday, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m.
The Wildcats will travel to Salt Lake City to face Utah for the 73rd matchup between the two teams. Arizona has won the last four matchups against Utah, including a triple-overtime 105-99 victory on the road. The game was highlighted by former Wildcat Pelle Larsson’s 27 points and eight assist game. With both teams now in the Big 12, the stage is set for a rivalry game with the stakes ramping up. Playing in Salt Lake City is never easy, as Arizona will need to keep its composure and execute well to win on the road.
Arizona vs. Kansas State University
Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.
Kansas State holds a 9-6 series record over Arizona, with its most previous victory from Feb. 11, of this year, when the UA fell by one possession, 73-70 on the road. With the Jan. 7 matchup at home, Arizona will look to find its revenge on Kansas State to level out the series record further. The two teams first met in 1951, where Arizona fell 61-59 in Kansas City, Mo. As this battle between the two teams has spanned over 70 years, Arizona looks to find a way to claim a victory over the school where it’s 5-5 in its last 10 matchups.
Arizona vs. TCU
Saturday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m.
The Horned Frogs and Wildcats have met only four times in their men’s basketball history, with the series tied 2-2. Arizona has won the two most recent matchups, including a thriller victory in overtime during the 2022 NCAA Tournament, where Bennedict Mathurin’s clutch 3-pointer late in the game gave Arizona the 85-80 win. The Wildcats will be traveling to Fort Worth, Texas to meet TCU with hopes to continue its winning streak over the Horned Frogs.
Arizona vs. ASU
Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 8:30 p.m.
Arizona will have home floor advantage as the Wildcats meet rival ASU for the first time this season in January. With the longstanding rivalry between the two teams, Arizona holds a 163-87 series record over ASU. The Sun Devils and the Wildcats first saw each other on Dec. 12, 1913, where Arizona won 41-17, going on to win the next eight consecutive matchups.
Most recently, Arizona is 9-1 in its last 10 games against ASU and will have a chance to continue its win streak come January. In the most previous matchup between the two teams, Awaka dropped 15 points and nine rebounds in Arizona’s 113-110 win over ASU on March 4.
Arizona vs. UCF
Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m.
The Golden Knights have only faced off against the Wildcats once, as Arizona came away with an 88-80 win at home on Jan. 11 this year. Anthony Dell’Orso and Awaka combined for 26 points and eight rebounds in the victory. This time, Arizona will be traveling to meet UCF with expectations to keep victories against the Golden Knights continuing on.
Arizona vs. University of Cincinnati
Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.
Arizona is undefeated against Cincinnati, holding a perfect 5-0 record in the two teams’ history, which trails back to 1975. Since then, the most recent game between the Bearcats and Wildcats was last season as Arizona came away with a 72-67 win on the road. Bradley led the game with 15 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field. Now, Cincinnati will have to travel to Tucson as Arizona prepares to keep its winning streak alive.
Arizona vs. West Virginia University
Saturday, Jan. 24 at noon
The Wildcats remain home to host WVU, looking for their fifth win against the Mountaineers as they hold a 4-3 record over them. Arizona most recently saw West Virginia last year, beating the Mountaineers in a 75-56 win with contributions from Dell’Orso, who dropped 10 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes of play. As McKale Center awaits West Virginia, Arizona looks to do some damage with its new core of players during the afternoon of Jan. 24 on CBS Sports.
Arizona vs. BYU
Monday, Jan 26 at 7 p.m.
Arizona will head to Provo, Utah, to take on the BYU Cougars for its 42nd matchup in program history. Last season, the Wildcats suffered an upsetting 96-95 defeat on their home floor to BYU. Despite former Wildcat Caleb Love’s 27-point night, the Cougars had two free throws with 3.2 seconds left, putting the game to rest. Arizona looks to bounce back in a tough setting in Utah with its core of players, including Awaka, who came away with a double-double consisting of 14 points, 10 rebounds in the Feb. 22 matchup.
Arizona vs. ASU
Saturday, Jan. 31 at 4 p.m.
Arizona basketball will flip courts with rival ASU on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at 4 p.m. in Tempe. Regardless of how the season has been going for the Wildcats, games against the Sun Devils are always a thrill. Being in ASU’s home court will put the Wildcats at a disadvantage, so it will be interesting to see who can come out on top. Over the years, the Wildcats have seen 163 wins over the Sun Devils in comparison to their 87 losses.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma State University
Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.
The following Saturday on Feb. 7, 2026, Arizona will host Oklahoma State University at 2 p.m. in McKale Center. The Wildcats hold a strong 4-0 record over OSU, their first game dating back to 1993, up to their most recent in January of this year. The Cowboys went 17-18 in their 2024-2025 season and 7-13 in conference play specifically. OSU lost Bryce Thompson, their point leader for last season. The Cowboys will need someone to fill this position moving into this new year.
Arizona vs. Kansas University
Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
In a short turnaround, the Wildcats will head to Lawrence, Kansas, to verse Kansas University on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Allen Fieldhouse. Last season, the Wildcats went 1-1 against the Jayhawks, losing in Kansas’ home court and winning in a neutral setting. The Jayhawks went 21-13 for the season and 11-9 in conference play. Kansas was knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the first round last season despite its deep bench and impressive starting five. The game against the Wildcats will be competitive at the very least.
Arizona vs. Texas Tech University
Saturday, Feb. 14 at 4 or 4:30 p.m.
Arizona will head back home for the next two games against Texas Tech University and BYU. On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, the Wildcats will face Texas Tech at 4 or 4:30 p.m. in McKale Center. Arizona and Texas Tech are notorious for playing nail-biting games, granting the Wildcats 26 wins and the Raiders 29. The Wildcats went 2-1 against Texas Tech last season, who made it all the way into the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament, getting knocked out by the national champs, the University of Florida.
Arizona vs. BYU
Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.
Being their second matchup against BYU in the season, Arizona will have had notes and experience against the Cougars heading into this matchup on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. in McKale. BYU was an impressive team last season with Richie Saunders, now a senior, leading the group. Saunders will return this season to continue his offensive efforts for the Cougars. However, BYU lost 6-foot-8 freshman Egor Demin, who was drafted No. 8 in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets.
Arizona vs. University of Houston
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
The Wildcats will get back on the road on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, to compete against the University of Houston at 1 p.m. in Houston. Notably, Arizona lost their last two games against Houston last season. The Cougars had an impressive season last spring, falling to Florida in the championship game of the NCAA tournament by just two points. Houston is expected to carry on their marks into this new season.
Arizona vs. Baylor University
Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
While in Texas, Arizona will compete against Baylor University on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Waco. The Wildcats saw two victorious matches against Baylor last season, adding to their 7-5 record against the program. Baylor’s season ended against Duke University in the NCAA tournament last season, who moved on to kick Arizona out as well. The Bears lost Norchad Omier and VJ Edgecombe this season, both players that lead the team in points and rebounds. Omier and Edgecombe were both sent into the league, joining the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Arizona vs. Kansas University
Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 or 2:30 p.m.
After taking on the Bears, Arizona will face Kansas for the second time this season on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 2 or 2:30 p.m. in McKale Center.
Arizona vs. Iowa State University
Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m.
On Monday, March 2, 2026, the Wildcats will verse Iowa State University in McKale Center at 7 p.m. Arizona’s last home game against Iowa State was nearly a loss, until graduated senior Love made a buzzer-beater half court shot to send the game into overtime and ultimately allowed the Wildcats to pull into the lead and secure the win. However, when Arizona saw Iowa State later that season, they suffered a 17-point loss.
Arizona vs. University of Colorado, Boulder
Saturday, March 7 at 9 p.m.
The Wildcats’ last game before entering the Big 12 tournament is against the University of Colorado, Boulder on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Boulder, Colorado, at 9 p.m. This game will be a huge matchup for Arizona as they prepare to compete in the tournament. Arizona holds 27 wins over Colorado with 16 losses. The Wildcats’ last loss against the Buffalos was in 2022, on Colorado’s home court.
Depending on the outcome of Arizona’s season, it will look to dominate in the Big 12 tournament, spanning from March 10-14, 2026. After the conference tournament, March Madness games will begin.
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