Purdue Basketball Adds Cal Baptist to 2026-27 Nonconference Schedule

Purdue University's men's basketball team has officially added a nonconference matchup against California Baptist University to its 2026-27 season schedule. The game is scheduled to take place at Purdue's home court in West Lafayette on December 21, 2026. This addition was first reported by CBS Sports journalist Jon Rothstein. The inclusion of Cal Baptist, also known as the Lancers, marks a significant addition to Purdue's upcoming slate as the program finalizes its roster of opponents for the season. Cal Baptist enters this matchup following a successful previous season where they achieved a 25-9 record. Notably, the 2025-26 campaign marked the program's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament, although they were eliminated in the opening round by Kansas. This scheduled game provides Purdue with an opportunity to face a team with recent postseason experience as they prepare for their own Big Ten conference play and potential national tournament aspirations. The announcement highlights the ongoing efforts by collegiate athletic departments to secure competitive nonconference games that can bolster their resumes and provide challenging tests before conference seasons begin.