Two HBCUs will step onto a serious stage this school basketball season as Alabama A&M and Bethune-Cookman each seem on Indiana College’s 2025–26 non-conference schedule. Every workforce will journey to Bloomington, Indiana, to tackle the Large Ten powerhouse early within the season.
Alabama A&M begins new period
Alabama A&M opens Indiana’s season on November 5. The Bulldogs are getting into a brand new chapter below head coach Dontae Jackson, who takes over after a profitable stint at Grambling State. Final season, A&M completed 10–22, however Jackson brings a popularity for constructing powerful, defensive groups. He goals to inject a successful tradition and enhance recruiting via his SWAC connections and nationwide community.
Bethune-Cookman closes out November
Bethune-Cookman faces Indiana on November 29. The Wildcats are coming off a 17–16 marketing campaign below head coach Reggie Theus, a former NBA All-Star with deep teaching expertise. Theus has steadily elevated this system’s credibility and competitiveness. With a number of key gamers returning, BCU appears to be like to proceed its momentum and received’t shrink back from the Large Ten highlight.
Why These Matchups Matter
For each HBCUs, these video games supply extra than simply competitors—they bring about visibility, monetary assist, and an opportunity to measure up towards top-tier expertise. Going through Large Ten groups helps put together HBCU packages for his or her convention slates whereas giving gamers nationwide publicity.
These video games additionally spotlight a rising pattern. Large Ten faculties more and more schedule HBCUs in non-conference play, typically offering much-needed monetary boosts for smaller packages via assure sport payouts.
Embracing the Problem
With confirmed coaches like Jackson and Theus main the best way, Alabama A&M and Bethune-Cookman are able to characterize the HBCU neighborhood with satisfaction. Anticipate each groups to compete laborious and take advantage of their nationwide stage this season.
