Providence Basketball went through more downs than ups this past season, going 12-20 overall and missing out on the postseason. They started out 5-0 in the non-con but got swept by the A-10 trio of Davidson, Rhode Island, and St. Bonaventure before struggling in Big East play.

The Friars are hoping for better things in 2025-26, starting in the non-con. Their schedule is out, including participating in the Rady Children’s Invitational, featuring potential opponents such as Florida, Wisconsin, and TCU.

But among the nine confirmed matchups, there are some other notable opponents. Here’s a list of the four most notable foes to watch.

Penn hired former Iowa HC Fran McCaffery this offseason, and he was able to bring in a nice transfer class, including former UVA forward TJ Power. Lead scorer Ethan Roberts (16.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg) is back as well, set to make the Quakers potential contenders in the Ivy League. 

Penn State made history in the NBA Draft with forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser being the program’s first-ever first-round pick. But he leaves a frontcourt without much depth at all. The pressure will be on returning guards, Eli Rice and Freddie Dillone V, being all-league performers, to have any hope of competing in the Big Ten.

The Buffaloes are rebuilding after a down year, adding 20 ppg scoring transfer from UC Riverside, Barrington Hargress. Junior forward Bangot Dak will be a focal point of the offense, with pressure on the 5-man incoming recruiting class to be instant impact contributors out of the gate.

The Hokies also are coming off a down year, but they at least return their best player from last season in Toibu Lawal, who averaged 12.4 ppg and 7.0 rpg. Former WVU big man Amani Hansberry will start alongside him, while Delaware transfer guard Izaiah Pasha will be tasked with being a key perimeter piece in the rotation.