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 team continues to finalize 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 Lancers secured their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament during that campaign, although their run ended with a loss to Kansas in the opening round. This scheduling move helps round out Purdue's nonconference lineup, providing fans and analysts with more clarity on the Boilermakers' path leading into conference play. The article highlights the growing competitiveness of mid-major programs like Cal Baptist, which are increasingly seeking high-profile matchups against traditional powerhouses like Purdue to boost their national profile and resume strength.