By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Fresh off the program's first Conference USA Tournament championship and second NCAA Tournament appearance in four seasons, Kennesaw State will begin its title defense with a home contest on New Year's Eve as Conference USA announced the league schedule for the 2026-27 men's basketball season on Thursday.
KSU will play 18 conference games, nine at home and nine on the road, with the Owls facing each of its nine league counterparts twice. They went 13-3 at VyStar Arena last year and possess a 34-10 home record during head coach
Antoine Pettway's tenure.
The defending champs open league play at home with back-to-back games against Western Kentucky (Dec. 31) and Middle Tennessee (Jan. 2) before welcoming rival Jacksonville State on Jan. 9.
"Our conference is as competitive as it's ever been, and every night presents a challenge," Pettway said. "We're excited for the opportunity to defend our championship in front of our fans and compete against another outstanding Conference USA schedule."
Following the opening homestand, the Owls hit the road for a two-game swing through Texas and New Mexico, facing Sam Houston (Jan. 14) and New Mexico State (Jan. 16).
Kennesaw State returns to VyStar Arena the following week for games against Delaware (Jan. 21) and long-time rival Liberty (Jan. 23) before closing January with road contests at Missouri State (Jan. 28) and FIU (Jan. 30).
February opens with the second game in the rivalry matchup at Jacksonville State (Feb. 6) before the Owls return home for consecutive games against New Mexico State (Feb. 11) and Sam Houston (Feb. 13). Kennesaw State then travels to Liberty (Feb. 18) and Delaware (Feb. 20) before closing its home conference slate against Missouri State (Feb. 25) and FIU (Feb. 27).
The regular season concludes with a pair of road games at Middle Tennessee (March 4) and Western Kentucky (March 6).
The 2027 Conference USA Basketball Championship will be held March 9-13 in Huntsville, Alabama, with the league's automatic NCAA Tournament berth on the line.
KSU finished the 2025-26 campaign by winning four of its final six regular-season games before defeating Western Kentucky, Sam Houston and Louisiana Tech to claim the CUSA tournament title.
The 2026-27 Owls bring back three key pieces from last year's championship squad in
Kaden Rickard,
Trey Simpson and
Amir Taylor, who are joined by a talented group of freshmen and Division I transfers, including three that played in CUSA this past season.
The Owls' full non-conference schedule will be announced later this summer.
KSU fans can secure their spot now! Season ticket deposits are available by clicking
here.
2026-27 Kennesaw State Men's Basketball CUSA Schedule
- Dec. 31 vs. Western Kentucky
- Jan. 2 vs. Middle Tennessee
- Jan. 9 vs. Jacksonville State
- Jan. 14 at Sam Houston
- Jan. 16 at New Mexico State
- Jan. 21 vs. Delaware
- Jan. 23 vs. Liberty
- Jan. 28 at Missouri State
- Jan. 30 at Florida International
- Feb. 6 at Jacksonville State
- Feb. 11 vs. New Mexico State
- Feb. 13 vs. Sam Houston
- Feb. 18 at Liberty
- Feb. 20 at Delaware
- Feb. 25 vs. Missouri State
- Feb. 27 vs. Florida International
- March 4 at Middle Tennessee
- March 6 at Western Kentucky
- March 9-13 Conference USA Men's Basketball Championship
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
