Full Breakdown
ESPN Unveils 2026 Men's College Basketball Big Monday Schedule
9/10/2025, 2:35:41 PM
Overview of the Big Monday Schedule
ESPN has announced its 2026 men's college basketball Big Monday schedule, featuring six consecutive weeks of doubleheaders showcasing high-stakes matchups in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big 12 Conference. The schedule kicks off on January 26, 2026, and runs through March 2, 2026, featuring ten teams ranked in the top 25 according to ESPN's Way Too Early rankings. Notable teams include No. 3 Houston, No. 6 BYU, No. 10 Texas Tech, No. 13 Arizona, No. 18 Iowa State, and No. 21 Kansas from the Big 12, alongside No. 7 Louisville, No. 12 Duke, No. 24 NC State, and No. 25 North Carolina from the ACC.
Key Matchups and Dates
The Big Monday schedule includes several marquee matchups:
- January 26: No. 7 Louisville at No. 12 Duke (7 p.m. ET) and No. 13 Arizona at No. 6 BYU (9 p.m. ET).
- February 2: Syracuse at No. 25 North Carolina (7 p.m. ET) and No. 21 Kansas at No. 10 Texas Tech (9 p.m. ET).
- February 9: No. 24 NC State at No. 7 Louisville (7 p.m. ET) and No. 13 Arizona at No. 21 Kansas (9 p.m. ET).
- February 16: Syracuse at No. 12 Duke (7 p.m. ET) and No. 3 Houston at No. 18 Iowa State (9 p.m. ET).
- February 23: No. 7 Louisville at No. 25 North Carolina (7 p.m. ET) and No. 3 Houston at No. 21 Kansas (9 p.m. ET).
- March 2: No. 12 Duke at No. 24 NC State (7 p.m. ET) and No. 18 Iowa State at No. 13 Arizona (9 p.m. ET).
Team Highlights
The Arizona Wildcats are set to feature prominently, with three appearances on Big Monday. They will face BYU on January 26, visit Kansas on February 9, and host Iowa State on March 2. Arizona enters the season with high expectations, bolstered by returning players and a strong recruiting class, including top prospects like Koa Peat and Brayden Burries.
Iowa State will also be highlighted in two Big Monday games, hosting Houston on February 16 and traveling to Arizona on March 2. Under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State has consistently performed well, making four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
Official Statements & Responses
ESPN's announcement emphasizes the significance of these matchups, stating that the Big Monday series showcases the top teams in college basketball. The inclusion of Iowa State and Arizona reflects their competitive status within the Big 12, as both programs are expected to contend for conference titles.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Big Monday schedule is generally well-received, some critics argue that the focus on marquee matchups may overshadow other deserving teams in the conferences. This perspective highlights the challenges of balancing visibility among all programs while promoting high-profile games.
What's Next
The full Big 12 basketball schedule is anticipated to be released soon, detailing additional matchups and confirming the competitive landscape for the upcoming season. The excitement surrounding the Big Monday games is expected to enhance viewership and engagement in college basketball as the season progresses.
