Why Darian DeVries’ return to face Indiana basketball could change everything this season

You better believe Indiana basketball’s 2025-26 nonconference slate is shaping up to be a jaw-dropper. The Hoosiers aren’t just scheduling any old teams — they’re locking in showdowns with heavyweights like Kansas State, joining the mix alongside Marquette, Louisville, and Kentucky. That’s a bold move for Darian DeVries in his debut season on the sidelines, signaling IU’s intent to test themselves against top-tier competition from across the Big East, SEC, ACC, and Big 12. With Kansas State set for a unique one-off visit to Bloomington, fans can expect a gritty battle reminiscent of last year’s high-profile matchups. While the rest of the schedule might feature buy games at home, the potential for a high-profile exhibition looms, likely closer to home, which could really turn heads. This isn’t just about filling dates on a calendar; it’s a statement — the Hoosiers are gearing up for impact. LEARN MORE

• The Hoosiers have games scheduled against teams from the Big East, ACC, SEC and Big 12.

Want more Hoosiers coverage? Zach Osterman, Michael Niziolek and Chloe Peterson keep up with IU all season. Sign up for IndyStar’s Hoosiers newsletter. Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.The Hoosiers are also likely to explore a high-profile exhibition similar to last year’s visit to Tennessee. There is nothing firm yet on potential opponents, though it stands to reason IU might prefer to play that game at (or at least closer to) home, after traveling to Knoxville last season.The Wildcats finished under .500 last season, Jerome Tang’s third as coach in Manhattan. They started 6-2 before losing nine of 10. After a six-game win streak, they slumped to a 3-6 finish to a season that concluded in the Big 12 tournament. That season included beating DeVries’ West Virginia team, 73-60, in Manhattan.BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball will add a home game against Kansas State to its nonconference schedule ahead of the 2025-26 season, IndyStar understands.Kansas State joins Marquette (Chicago), Louisville (Indianapolis) and Kentucky (in Lexington) among high-major opponents expected to highlight IU’s schedule in Darian DeVries’ first season as coach.

At this point, Indiana is not expected to add more heft to its nonconference schedule, with the remainder of its non-league games likely to be buy games at home.

The Wildcats will visit Bloomington at a date to be announced in a one-off arrangement similar to the Hoosiers’ visit from South Carolina last season. A return game is not expected as part of the arrangement.