Wichita State faces scheduling freeze from power-conference opponents
It wasn’t long ago when Wichita State men’s basketball could count on at least one marquee home game each winter, whether it was Kansas State, Missouri, Baylor or Oklahoma State making the trip to Koch Arena.
But those days appear to be on hold — at least for now.
For the first time since the 2012-13 season, WSU is set to enter a season without a nonconference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 or SEC (excluding multi-team events). The Shockers haven’t finalized the schedule, but 11 of the likely 12 or 13 games are already locked in.
That absence reflects not just a shift in how WSU is perceived, but a broader change in how power-conference teams across college basketball approach scheduling.
“It takes two teams in order to get a game,” WSU head coach Paul Mills said. “A lot of Power 4s are going the buy-game route because they get so many Q1s and Q2s in conference play. They’re not really trying to get more unless it’s at a neutral venue.”
What’s happening to WSU isn’t unique. Across the country, programs outside the power structure are increasingly shut out from scheduling top-tier opponents.
The rise of 20-game conference schedules has drastically reduced the appetite of teams like K-State, Oklahoma State and Missouri to play programs like WSU. Power-conference schools have little incentive to schedule potential Quadrant 3 games, especially on the road. Instead, they’re buying home games against low-end opponents or sticking to neutral-site showcases with minimal risk.
And for teams like Wichita State, who have finished outside the top 100 in NET in each of the last three seasons (No. 112 in 2022-23, No. 151 in 2023-24 and No. 134 in 2024-25), that has made scheduling even harder. A home game against the Shockers would project as a Quadrant 3 opportunity, while a trip to Koch Arena likely tops out as Quadrant 2. In today’s NET-driven world, that’s a risk most power programs won’t take.
“A lot of teams want to see it on a neutral floor, but fans want to see it on a home court and so do coaches,” Mills said. “So finding home-and-homes right now, I just don’t think we’re there. We need to be a top-50 NET team before you can probably get a home-and-home against a Power 4 team.”
WSU’s scheduling challenge mirrors a broader problem in the American Athletic Conference, which has seen its national relevance wane. Last season marked a low point: for the first time since the league’s formation in 2013, the AAC was a one-bid conference in the NCAA Tournament.
The scheduling dilemma doesn’t just affect fan interest, it directly impacts WSU’s ability to build an at-large resume. With the AAC no longer offering multiple high-quality opportunities, the Shockers have to snag marquee wins in November and December. Fewer opportunities makes that task even harder.
In response, the league brought in former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese this summer to consult on scheduling strategy and help reverse the trend. But the reality remains sobering: outside of Memphis, no AAC team has the brand power to routinely attract power-conference opponents.
While fans aren’t likely to see a marquee name from a power conference at Koch Arena this season, WSU has assembled a solid nonconference slate. The Shockers have lined up home-and-home arrangements with several respected programs outside of the power structure: Boise State, Loyola Chicago, Northern Iowa and DePaul.
Boise State, in particular, brings real value — the Broncos finished in the top 50 of the NET last season and have won 99 games over the last four years. DePaul is a Big East opponent, while Loyola and UNI finished in the top 105 of the NET last season. All project as quality matchups.
Even the buy games reflect a pragmatic approach: Milwaukee (NET 132), Wofford (127) and Eastern Kentucky (188) are all capable mid-majors that should offer real challenges at the Roundhouse.
While the Battle 4 Atlantis field isn’t as loaded as in years past, it still offers opportunity. Potential matchups with Saint Mary’s (NET 23), VCU (33) and Colorado State (42) could boost WSU’s resume if the Shockers can capitalize.
Mills knows what it will take to change the narrative — and the schedule.
To get those games back, and the national TV dates that once defined WSU winters, the Shockers need to win. Winning changes perception. Winning lifts NET. Winning opens doors.
Until then, the squeeze continues and Wichita State is far from alone. For most programs outside the power structure, this is the new normal.
Wichita State basketball 2025-26 season schedule
Saturday, Nov. 8 — Prairie View A&M
Thursday, Nov. 13 — Loyola Chicago
Tuesday, Nov. 18 — at Boise State
Saturday, Nov. 22 — Milwaukee
Wednesday, Nov. 26 — Battle 4 Atlantis (Bahamas)
Thursday, Nov. 27 — Battle 4 Atlantis (Bahamas)
Friday, Nov. 28 — Battle 4 Atlantis (Bahamas)
Saturday, Dec. 6 — at Northern Iowa
Saturday, Dec. 13 — DePaul
Wednesday, Dec. 17 — Wofford
Sunday, Dec. 21 — Eastern Kentucky
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 6:02 AM.
.jpg)