UConn’s 2025-26 schedule unveiled: Dan Hurley fueled by last year’s heartbreak originally appeared on The Sporting News
Dan Hurley isn’t hiding from last year. Losing to Florida in the second round robbed UConn of a chance to make history with a three-peat, and now that sting is the fuel behind the 2025-26 season.
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Hurley admitted the 77–75 defeat was one of the toughest of his career. In the offseason, he considered whether he could keep going at the same relentless pace, but he’s back more motivated than ever. For him, this year is about rewriting the ending and proving that UConn still sets the standard for college basketball.
Nonconference gauntlet
UConn will be tested immediately by a slate that looks more like a March bracket than a November warmup.
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Nov. 15 vs BYU (Boston) – Neutral floor, quality opponent, and the first real look at what this year’s Huskies are made of.
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Nov. 19 vs Arizona (Gampel Pavilion) – A top-tier showdown at home against one of the nation’s most athletic rosters.
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Nov. 28 vs Illinois (New York, Madison Square Garden) – Holiday hoops in the Garden with a Big Ten contender.
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Dec. 2 at Kansas – A trip to Allen Fieldhouse, the definition of hostile territory.
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Dec. 9 vs Florida (New York) – A rematch of last year’s bitter second-round loss, circled on everyone’s calendar.
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Dec. 12 vs Texas – A home clash with one of the Big 12’s heavyweights.
By Christmas, UConn will know exactly how close they are to national title form.
MORE: Purdue basketball 2025-26 schedule: Matt Painter’s Boilermakers eye national title push
Big East grind
The Big East has never been forgiving, and this year’s slate is packed with must-watch matchups that will shape the league race.
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Jan. 4 vs Marquette – Early conference test against one of the toughest teams in the league.
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Jan. 24 vs Villanova – A Gampel Pavilion showdown that always has title implications.
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Jan. 31 at Creighton – A road trip to Omaha in the dead of winter, never an easy night.
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Feb. 18 vs Creighton – The return leg, another chance to stake league dominance.
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Feb. 21 at Villanova – A true Big East war on the road.
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Mar. 7 at Marquette – The regular-season finale, which could decide the top seed before the Big East Tournament.
March outlook
The Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden runs March 11-14, where UConn will aim to sharpen up before the NCAA Tournament. From there, all eyes will be on whether Hurley and his Huskies can turn last year’s heartbreak into a championship redemption run, with the Final Four set for Indianapolis in April.
