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Tigers Unleashed: Memphis Drops Explosive 2026-27 AAC Schedule
Memphis Tigers Basketball: Your Complete Guide to the 2026-27 Season Schedules
TL;DR — The Memphis Tigers men’s and women’s basketball teams have released their conference matchups for the 2026-27 season. The men face a brutal non-conference slate (Baylor, Texas, Iowa State!) plus a tough American Conference schedule. The women, under new coach Hana Haden, have their own challenging road ahead. Here’s everything you need to know — explained simply.
What Happened?
On August 7, 2026, the American Athletic Conference (often called "The American" or "AAC") announced who plays whom for the upcoming basketball season. Think of it like the NFL releasing its schedule — but for college hoops.
Both the Memphis men’s team (coached by Penny Hardaway) and the women’s team (coached by newcomer Hana Haden) now know their conference opponents. The men’s non-conference schedule (games against teams from other conferences) is also mostly set — and it’s loaded with big names.
How the Conference Schedule Works (ELI5 Version)
Imagine a league with 13 teams. You can’t play everyone twice — that’d be 24 games! So the conference came up with a fair system:
| Matchup Type | How Many Teams | How Many Games | Where They’re Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home-and-Home (play twice) | 6 opponents | 12 games | Once at FedExForum, once at their arena |
| Single Games (play once) | 6 opponents | 6 games | 3 at home, 3 on the road |
| Total Conference Games | — | 18 games | — |
Important Point
Dates and tip-off times for conference games will be announced later. So you know who and where, but not when — yet.
Memphis Men’s Basketball: The 2026-27 Schedule Breakdown
Conference Matchups — The "Gauntlet"
Coach Penny Hardaway’s Tigers get two shots (home & away) at five of the top six teams from last year’s standings:
- USF — Defending conference champions
- Wichita State — Runners-up
- UAB
- Charlotte
- North Texas
Plus a home-and-home with Tulane (one at FedExForum, one in New Orleans).
Home-Only Opponents (One game, at FedExForum)
- Tulsa
- East Carolina
- Rice
Away-Only Opponents (One game, on the road)
- FAU (Florida Atlantic)
- Temple
- UTSA (UT San Antonio)
Quick Recap: 12 home-and-home games + 3 home-only + 3 away-only = 18 conference games.
Non-Conference Schedule — "Among the Strongest in the Nation"
The Tigers aren’t taking it easy before conference play. Most games are set, with two slots still open.
Home Games (at FedExForum)
| Date | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 7 | VCU | Season opener! |
| Nov 15 | Louisville | Big ACC program |
| Nov 22 | Evansville | |
| Dec 11 | Grand Canyon | Rising mid-major power |
| Feb 20, 2027 | Utah State | Late-season test |
Road Games
| Date | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 10 | Vanderbilt | SEC foe, in Nashville |
| Dec 5 | Baylor | Big 12 heavyweight — in Waco, TX |
| Dec 16 | Texas | Another Big 12 giant — in Austin |
Neutral-Site Games
| Date | Event / Location | Opponent(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2 | Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls, SD | Iowa State (Big 12!) |
| Nov 25 & 27 | Battle 4 Atlantis, Bahamas | 2 games vs. Wake Forest / Mississippi State / Penn State / Xavier |
| Nov 29 | A-10 / AAC Showcase, Columbus, OH | Dayton |
Two non-conference games are still TBA. Expect more high-major opponents.
Exhibition Games (Preseason Warm-Ups)
These don’t count on the record — think of them as scrimmages with fans.
- Oct 23 — at Mississippi State
- Oct 29 — at Arkansas
- TBA in October — at FedExForum (home)
Last Season Context
- Record: 13–19 overall
- Conference: 8–10 (tied for 8th place)
- Translation: A down year by Memphis standards. This schedule is built to bounce back fast.
Memphis Women’s Basketball: New Coach, New Schedule
Meet Coach Hana Haden
She’s the new head coach taking over the program. Her first conference schedule is officially set.
Conference Pairings (18 Games Total)
Home-and-Home (12 games)
- Tulsa
- FAU
- Charlotte
- Tulane
- UAB
- Wichita State
Home-Only (3 games, at Elma Roane Fieldhouse)
- UTSA
- Temple
- North Texas
Away-Only (3 games, on the road)
- Rice
- USF (last year’s champs)
- ECU (East Carolina)
Note: The women play at Elma Roane Fieldhouse on campus, not FedExForum.
Why This Matters (The Big Picture)
| Team | Outlook |
|---|---|
| Men | Penny Hardaway loads up on brand-name non-conference games (Baylor, Texas, Iowa State, Louisville, Battle 4 Atlantis). Win a few, and Memphis is back in the national conversation — and NCAA Tournament talk. |
| Women | Hana Haden inherits a program in transition. A balanced conference slate gives her a fair measuring stick in Year 1. |
Summary
- Men’s conference pairings set: 18 games, including two shots at last year’s top teams.
- Men’s non-conference is GAUNTLET: Baylor, Texas, Iowa State, Louisville, Battle 4 Atlantis.
- Two non-conference games still TBA — stay tuned.
- Women’s schedule released under new coach Hana Haden.
- Dates/times for conference games coming later.
- Exhibition games in October at Mississippi State, Arkansas, and FedExForum.
FAQ
1. What’s the difference between conference and non-conference games?
Conference games are against the other 12 teams in the American Athletic Conference — they count toward the league standings and tournament seeding. Non-conference games are against teams from other leagues (SEC, Big 12, etc.) — they don’t affect conference standings but hugely impact NCAA Tournament résumés.
2. Why does Memphis play some teams twice and others once?
With 13 teams, playing everyone twice = 24 games (too many). The conference uses a rotation system so over a few years, everyone plays everyone home-and-home. This year, Memphis gets the "tough draw" — two games vs. the best teams.
3. What is the Battle 4 Atlantis?
A prestigious early-season tournament in the Bahamas over Thanksgiving week. Eight teams, three games each. Memphis will face two of these four: Wake Forest, Mississippi State, Penn State, or Xavier. Great exposure, tropical vibes.
4. When will we know the exact dates and times for conference games?
Usually late September or October. The conference coordinates with TV partners (ESPN, CBS Sports, etc.) to pick broadcast windows.
5. Can I buy tickets yet?
Single-game tickets typically go on sale after the full schedule (with dates/times) is finalized. Season tickets are often available now — check gotigersgo.com for the latest.
Source: Reporting by Jason Munz, The Commercial Appeal
Contact: jason.munz@commercialappeal.com | @munzly on X
Go Tigers!
