Indiana State opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season at home against Charlotte on Monday, Nov. 2, in a rematch of last year’s opener. The Sycamores are building around a largely new roster, including transfers Jackson Cooper and Karmani Gregory, who were named to the Missouri Valley Conference preseason watch list. Charlotte also enters with a new coach and a roster featuring just one returning player who saw action last season.

By the Numbers
  • Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET; live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
  • Indiana State went 1-1 in preseason exhibitions, averaging 48.6% shooting from the field.
  • The Sycamores return one player from last season and added nine transfers and five freshmen.
  • Charlotte beat Indiana State 92-76 in last season’s opener; the 49ers lead the all-time series 2-1.
Yes, But

Indiana State showed offensive promise in its exhibitions, with Jackson Cooper and Maguire Mitchell scoring in double figures in both games. But the team is integrating a near-new roster, and Charlotte has the advantage of last year’s head-to-head win—even as the 49ers also undergo a major rebuild under first-year coach Wes Miller.

State of Play
  • Cooper and Gregory bring All-American and all-conference credentials to Indiana State’s revamped lineup.
  • Charlotte was picked fifth in the American Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll.
  • The game includes a dedication of the Woodruff Sycamore Loft and fan giveaways.
What’s Next

Indiana State begins a six-game stretch against familiar regional opponents, hosting Charlotte before traveling to Ball State on Nov. 6. The early schedule offers a quick test of how effectively the new roster can turn preseason flashes into regular-season results.

Bottom Line

The opener is both a rematch and an early measure of Indiana State’s roster rebuild: the Sycamores have promising new talent, but must prove it can translate into a stronger start against a Charlotte team that beat them decisively a year ago.