Southern Miss Basketball Faces Iowa State in Key 2026 Nonconference Test
Southern Miss basketball released its full 2026-27 nonconference schedule on Sept. 29, and for Iowa sports fans, one date stands out: a Nov. 6 road matchup against Iowa State in Ames. The game is part of a challenging slate that Golden Eagles coach Jay Ladner says is built to prepare his team for conference play and a potential NCAA Tournament run.
The Golden Eagles open the regular season at home against Tougaloo on Nov. 2 at Reed Green Coliseum. The nonconference schedule wraps up Dec. 22 against Ole Miss in the Coast Classic at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.
Why the Iowa State game matters for the Cyclones
Iowa State fans will get an early-season look at a Southern Miss squad that finished 19-16 overall and 9-9 in Sun Belt Conference play last season. The Golden Eagles reached the Sun Belt Tournament semifinal before falling to Troy.
For the Cyclones, this nonconference matchup offers a chance to test the roster against a physical, experienced opponent before Big 12 play begins. Southern Miss is known for its defensive intensity and disciplined approach under Ladner, now in his seventh season leading the program.
Southern Miss coach: 'No cupcakes' on this schedule
Ladner made clear the schedule is no easy road.
Our nonconference schedule is not designed for an easy road and isn't littered with cupcakes. It's full of great challenges, it's attractive, and it's the 'Southern Miss Way.'
The Golden Eagles will also compete in the Pensacola Regional on Nov. 21-22 against Nicholls and Valparaiso at the Pensacola Bay Center in Florida.
Full Southern Miss 2026-27 nonconference schedule
- Oct. 21 vs. LSU New Orleans (6 p.m.), exhibition
- Oct. 28 at Houston Christian (6 p.m.), exhibition
- Nov. 2 vs. Tougaloo (7 p.m.)
- Nov. 6 at Iowa State (7 p.m.)
- Nov. 11 vs. Jackson State (7 p.m.)
- Nov. 13 at Texas State (TBD)
- Nov. 17 vs. University of Texas-Arlington (7 p.m.)
- Nov. 19 at Grambling (6 p.m.)
- Nov. 21 vs. Nicholls (4 p.m.), Pensacola Invitational
- Nov. 22 vs. Valparaiso (5 p.m.), Pensacola Invitational
- Nov. 29 vs. Grambling State (3 p.m.)
- Dec. 2 vs. Tulane (7:30 p.m.)
- Dec. 5 at Oregon State (TBA)
- Dec. 10 at McNeese (6:30 p.m.)
- Dec. 14 vs. Tuskegee (7 p.m.)
- Dec. 22 vs. Ole Miss (TBA), Coast Classic
Conference schedule highlights
Southern Miss opens Sun Belt play at home against James Madison on Dec. 19, sandwiched between nonconference games against Tuskegee and Ole Miss. The Sun Belt Tournament runs March 2-8 in Pensacola, Florida.
Ladner emphasized the schedule's purpose is singular.
It's designed for one thing and one thing only, and that's to get our team ready for league play and to get us prepared to play in the conference tournament. Our goal is the NCAA Tournament; it's that simple.
What this means for Iowa basketball fans
For Iowa State, hosting Southern Miss provides an early test against a program that has made postseason appearances in recent years. The Cyclones will look to build momentum in nonconference play before the grind of Big 12 competition.
The Nov. 6 game at Hilton Coliseum promises to be a competitive early-season matchup. Iowa State fans interested in seeing a disciplined, tournament-minded opponent should mark their calendars.
Frequently asked questions
When do Southern Miss and Iowa State play?
Southern Miss plays at Iowa State on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
How did Southern Miss perform last season?
The Golden Eagles finished 19-16 overall and 9-9 in Sun Belt play, reaching the conference tournament semifinal before losing to Troy.
Who is Southern Miss head coach Jay Ladner?
Ladner is in his seventh season leading the Golden Eagles. He has emphasized building a tough, competitive nonconference schedule to prepare for conference play and NCAA Tournament aspirations.