BUIES CREEK, N.C. – As the 2025-26 Campbell University men's basketball non-conference schedule nears its completion, one thing is certain – it's been more than 40 years since the Fighting Camels faced such a challenging slate.
Given the fact that the Camels now compete in the Coastal Athletic Association – rather than as a fledgling Division I independent in '84-85 – it's safe to say that this season's itinerary will be the most difficult since the program moved up to D1 status in 1977-78.
On the docket are three games at Big Ten Conference members, plus trips to Big 12 and ACC country and a journey across the continent to traditional national power Gonzaga.
"This year we really wanted to challenge ourselves in the non-conference by playing some of the marquee programs and brands in America," said first-year head coach John Andrzejek, who joined the program in April after helping lead Florida to the national championship. "I like our team, and I think it's a very growth-minded group that will respond to challenges and learn from adversity. This is without a doubt the toughest schedule this program has ever faced. We should have plenty of motivation to have competitive and purposeful practices throughout fall training camp. It is our top priority to make sure we are well prepared for CAA play. This schedule will do that!"
With several dates remaining to be confirmed, Campbell's November and December schedule is packed with nationally-recognized opponents.
Campbell will open the regular season Nov. 3 at Wisconsin in the first-ever meeting on the hardwood between the Camels and Badgers.
Three days later, the Camels also face a first-time foe when CU journeys to West Virginia of the Big 12.
A trip to a multi-team event at Weber State in Ogden, Utah includes a Nov. 19 contest against the host Wildcats of the Big Sky Conference, plus a Nov. 21 game vs. Western Athletic Conference member Texas-Arlington.
On Nov. 25, the Camels will make the two-hour trip up US 421 to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest for the first time since the 2000-01 campaign.
December 2 features a contest at Penn State – the second meeting all-time between the Camels and Nittany Lions. CU opened the 2017-18 schedule at PSU with an 86-76 loss despite a (then) school Division I era road game record 39 points from Chris Clemons.
A second journey to Spokane, Wash., is on the docket for Dec. 17. Campbell dropped a 74-52 decision to the 14th-ranked 'Zags in the first meeting between the schools on Dec. 19, 2012 at The Kennel.
Campbell travels to Minnesota on Dec. 21 to meet the Golden Gophers for the second time in program history. On Dec. 1, 1997, the Camels dropped a hard-fought 67-57 decision at the Big Ten power.
In all, the Camels will play games in four time zones during November and January.
"Wisconsin has a Top 25 team and is extremely well coached," said Andrzejek. "West Virginia brought in a strong portal class and has some of the best traditions in the sport. Wake Forest is a regional rival that is known for their tenacity and physicality under Coach Steve Forbes. We have not had a chance to play them since the early 2000's; I'm sure our fans are very excited to make the drive. Penn State has a talented team that is poised to turn heads in the Big10 under Coach Mike Rhoades. Gonzaga has been one of the very best programs in America for the last 10 years and has a Hall of Fame Coach in Mark Few and numerous NBA prospects. And Minnesota has a lot of talent and great new energy under Coach Niko Medved, who has proven to be one of the premier program-builders in our sport."
The 2024-25 non-conference home schedule features a Dec. 23 date with Green Bay. The remaining home games and season ticket information will be announced soon. The CAA schedule will be announced in early Sept.
Campbell 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule (as of Aug. 5, 2025)
Nov. 3 | at Wisconsin
Nov. 6 | at West Virginia
Nov. 19 | at Weber State
Nov. 21 | UT-Arlington (at Weber State)
Nov. 25 | at Wake Forest
Dec. 2 | at Penn State
Dec. 17 | at Gonzaga
Dec. 21 | at Minnesota
Dec. 23 | GREEN BAY
Only once before has Campbell faced such an arduous men's basketball schedule.
Campbell played six "power" conference opponents – back before there was such a term – in the 1984-85 season, Jerry Smith's last as head coach and CU's final year as an independent before the Big South began championship play in '85-86.
The '84-85 Camels took on No. 13 NC State in the season opener before traveling to fellow ACC member Clemson six days later for the old IPTAY tournament.
CU then faced four members of the Southwest Conference – and played two-time national runner-up Houston to a nine-point decision (64-73) in the consolation round of the IPTAY event.
The Camels then played three games in four days at SMU (Dec. 17), TCU (Dec. 18) and Baylor (Dec. 20) to close out its pre-Christmas schedule.
Houston was coming off back-to-back NCAA finals appearances. Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler had moved on to the NBA, but the Cougars still had future NBA standout Greg "Cadillac" Anderson, plus key members of the Phi Slamma Jamma team – Alvin Franklin, Reid Gettys and Benny Anders. SMU featured future NBA center Jon Koncak. Clemson had both Horace and Harvey Grant, while NC State that featured SIX future NBA players in Lorenzo Charles, Vinny Del Negro, Nate McMillan, Cozell McQueen, Chris Washburn & Spud Webb.
Campbell concluded the season by "hosting" Navy – and future Hall of Famer David Robinson – Mar. 4, 1985 at the old Fayetteville Cumberland Co. Memorial Arena.
