With a revamped roster featuring only five returning players, a new run-and-gun play style and first-year head coach Ronald Nored, the Bulldogs are back for another season at Hinkle. After a mediocre 2025-26 campaign, Nored is looking to get the Dawgs back on track and claim their first winning season since 2023-24. With new faces and some returning factors, here are five games to watch for this upcoming season.
1. Butler at North Carolina – Dec. 6 at 3 p.m.
After getting just over a month of regular season play under their belt, the Bulldogs will face a notorious blue blood in their non-conference schedule. The Tar Heels, like Butler, have a revamped roster with only five returning players, ten transfers and a new head coach in Michael Malone. Malone was a head coach in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets, where he helped them win the 2023 Championship. Malone is known for being a defensive-minded coach, which means Butler will need to push the ball and score buckets in transition rather than slowing down and setting up an offense to be successful. While North Carolina is picked to finish top five in the ACC this year, Butler can pick up a sneaky win early in the season when they travel to Chapel Hill.
2. Butler vs. UConn – Dec. 31 at 7 p.m.
After losing in the National Championship game last year, the Huskies are ranked fourth in the AP Preseason Top 25 poll and are in pursuit of their third national title in five years. UConn returned not just polarizing head coach Dan Hurley, but also key players such as senior guard Solo Ball, senior guard Silas Demary Jr. and sophomore guard Braylon Mullins. Proving to the country it is still a force to be reckoned with, UConn started off its season with a 78-70 exhibition win at No. 6 Michigan State. Without a massive student section presence due to winter break, the Bulldogs will have to bring their own energy early and often. Butler is 0-13 all time vs UConn, but if the team can limit the Huskies on the glass, slow down their possessions and take care of the ball, the Dawgs may pick up a statement win in year one of the Nored era.
3. Butler vs. St. John’s – Jan. 3 at 5 p.m.
Another home game for Butler during winter break is against a fiery St. John’s team. Led by Rick Pitino in his third year with the Johnnies, this squad brings back experience and depth to its roster. Led by their talented trio of junior guard Ian Jackson, sophomore guard Tounde Yessoufou, and senior guard Quinn Ellis, this St. John’s team is explosive and ranks 13th in the AP Poll. Butler has not won a game against the Johnnies since February 2023, where they picked up a two-point victory in Hinkle Fieldhouse. While St. John’s is projected to be top three in the Big East this year, Butler has kept it close in their last two meetings, which can set pace for their first victory in the last eight meetings.
4. Butler vs. Villanova – Jan. 15 at 6 p.m.
Villanova is set to be one of the dark horses flying under the radar in college basketball. The Wildcats are looking to make a deeper run this year after falling short in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season to eight-seed Utah State. Villanova brings one of the tallest and largest rosters in college basketball this year, as they hold five players listed at 6-foot-8 or taller. The Wildcats also brought in a successful transfer portal pickup in senior forward Devin Royal. Royal averaged 13.7 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game with Ohio State last year and was a key piece in their successful offense. Villanova is looking to get back on track this year by winning its first Big East title in the last five years, but will be challenged against UConn and St. John’s. In order for Butler to be successful in this matchup, the Bulldogs will need to take advantage of fast break opportunities as the Wildcats will pose a slower lineup at times with their lengthier roster.
5. Butler vs. Xavier – Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m.
The Dawgs’ main Big East rival comes to town for a Saturday showdown at Hinkle in February. The Musketeers are looking for redemption following a 80-75 defeat a year ago. Similar to last year, only three players return, so it may take time for them to develop under head coach Richard Pitino. Like Villanova, the Musketeers have height on their roster — only four players are listed below 6 feet, 6 inches. Senior transfer guard Tru Washington comes from a similar style at Miami which should help a new-look Xavier squad. The Dawgs hope the atmosphere will carry over to the court and allow them to rebound well while limiting the Musketeers’ second-chance points. If they are successful in those goals, Butler will come away with a rivalry win.