The Indiana University men's basketball program is set to embark on a challenging 2025-26 non-conference schedule, marking the official tip-off of the Darian DeVries era in Bloomington. This rigorous slate includes four high-major opponents, featuring two neutral-site contests and a true road game, designed to test the Hoosiers early in the season. As part of a detailed review of IU’s non-conference opponents, the spotlight initially falls on Marquette, a team that concluded its 2024-25 season with a 23-11 overall record and a 13-7 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Shaka Smart, Marquette enters his fifth year fresh off securing their fourth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. Despite this consistency, their previous tournament run ended disappointingly with a first-round loss to No. 10 seed New Mexico as a No. 7 seed.

Marquette’s roster outlook presents a unique case in the contemporary college basketball landscape. The Golden Eagles stand as the sole power conference program that has not brought in a transfer player since the 2022-23 season, prioritizing player development and high school recruiting. This strategy means Marquette will face the upcoming season having lost a significant amount of production. Key departures include NBA draftee Kam Jones, who was one of only three Division I players last season to record over 600 points and 200 assists. Also gone are Stevie Mitchell, a formidable on-ball defender, and David Joplin, a consistent scorer. This trio represented Marquette’s three leading scorers from the previous season.

To compensate for these losses, Smart has relied heavily on a promising incoming freshman class, ranked No. 21 nationally by 247Sports. This four-man class is headlined by Nigel James, a 6-foot point guard and a top-85 247Sports Composite prospect. He is joined by two other 4-star talents: combo guard Adrien Stevens and small forward Michael Phillips, alongside 3-star forward Ian Miletic. The proven names to watch for Marquette next year are Chase Ross and Ben Gold. Ross, a 6-foot-5 guard, started all 34 games, averaging 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 46.6 percent shooting. The 6-foot-11 Gold, also a starter in every game, contributed 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on 43.4 percent shooting, including 37.1 percent from deep on 143 attempts.

The anticipated matchup between IU and Marquette immediately highlights a shared characteristic: a notable lack of traditional size in the paint. Indiana’s tallest player, 6-foot-10 Reed Bailey, does not play as a conventional big man and isn't primarily a menacing defensive presence. Similarly, Marquette’s Ben Gold prefers to play on the perimeter and recorded only 28 blocks last year. While Marquette does have 7-foot-1 Joshua Clark, he saw no minutes last year and remains unproven. Gauging Marquette's overall performance is challenging due to its relative inexperience, with only Ross, Gold, forward Royce Parham, and guard Zaine Lowery logging more than 10 minutes per game last season.

Given the personnel, the game at the United Center could evolve into a 3-point shootout. Under Smart, Marquette has attempted over 900 3-pointers in three consecutive seasons, a trend likely to continue. For Indiana, Coach DeVries has emphasized prioritizing the long ball this offseason, and the Hoosiers' roster appears well-equipped for this strategy. The fan presence at the United Center will also be noteworthy; Marquette boasts a passionate fanbase just 90 minutes away in Milwaukee, while Chicago is a significant hub for enthusiastic IU alumni, known for their willingness to travel.

This early-season matchup, taking place in the first week of the regular season, presents distinct challenges for both teams. Marquette's youth and relative inexperience will be put to the test immediately. Concurrently, Indiana's transfer-heavy roster will face its own early examination, as the team works to build chemistry and establish cohesion.