The 2025-26 season is here. Purdue will play host to Evansville as the nation’s #1 team, returning the country’s #1 point guard, and with a Final Four in its own back yard waiting at the end of the season, expectations have never been higher in West Lafayette.
The season starts on Tuesday night with Purdue playing against in-state mid-major, Evansville, as one of two games in its opening week before traveling to Alabama to take on the Roll Tide next week to kick off what will be a challenge non-conference schedule once again for Matt Painter and company.
Purdue is already a tested team, having gone into Rupp Arena, losing to Kentucky in its first exhibition game.
In its second exhibition game, in Mackey Areana, Purdue handled UIndy with ease. Ahead, games against Marquette, Auburn, and Iowa State loom ahead of what will be a stacked, deep Big Ten conference schedule.
Now seniors Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Fletcher Loyer start writing the final chapter in their journey towards their third Big Ten Title in their career and second trip to a national title game.
Purdue is bolstered by a big man transfer from South Dakota State, a freshman from Israel, and a returning big man from a broken leg just two games into the season last season.
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Purdue basketball is back and the chase for its first national championship begins in earnest at 7:00 pm tonight.
What Matt Painter has to say about Evansville:
“They’ve had a couple injuries here… They only played really seven guys in their exhibition games… The league is very good. Obviously I coached in the league for six years… There’s great players everywhere. That’s one thing your guys quickly find out… If you don’t have somewhat of a competitive fear, it’s gonna hurt you… You have to be prepared for their best…”
Evansville has taken on #1 teams three times
Evansville has a history of threatening #1 teams. In its last matchup against a #1 team in 2019, it lost to Kentucky just 67-64.
Evansville player to watch
John Hughes will be a good challenge for Purdue early. In Evanvsille’s exhibition he had 22 points and 5 assists, getting to the line 10 times and making all 10 attempts.
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The 6-10 Australian will be heading into his third season at Evanvsille. He played in all 32 games last season, playing almost 30 minutes a night. He looks to be poised to break out as one of Evansville’s go to players this season. He was an inefficient shooter last year, but a willing one, taking over 100 threes.
Season openers have been kind to Purdue
Purdue has not lost a season opener since 2019 when Fairfield pulled off the overtime upset at Mackey Arena. Purdue has lost just three non-conference games in the last four seasons, all coming last year.
