Two-time defending Big West champion UC San Diego opens its 2026-27 season Monday at No. 15 Washington, launching a campaign that will be its last in the Big West before moving to the West Coast Conference in 2027-28. The Tritons return a championship core, including three preseason All-Big West selections, and begin the year ranked No. 5 in the Preseason Mid-Major Top 25.

By the Numbers
  • UC San Diego went 24-9 overall and 17-3 in Big West play last season.
  • The Tritons return 6 players from last year’s championship team, including 3 of 5 starters.
  • UC San Diego earned 10 of 12 first-place votes in the Big West preseason poll.
  • Washington finished 22-11 last season; the Huskies lead the teams’ all-time series 1-0.
Yes, But

UC San Diego brings back proven talent, but opens against a ranked Washington team on the road. The Tritons lost their only previous meeting with the Huskies, 67-50, in November 2025.

State of Play
  • Tipoff is Monday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. Pacific at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle; the game streams on B1G+.
  • After adding 7 newcomers, UC San Diego heads home to face San Diego on Nov. 7 in the inaugural Bill Walton Classic.
  • The Tritons are scheduled to join the WCC on July 1, 2027.
What’s Next

UC San Diego will play San Diego at Pechanga Arena on Nov. 7, then host Portland State on Nov. 12 for its home opener. Seven of the Tritons’ next eight games after the San Diego matchup are scheduled at home.

Bottom Line

The season opener is an early test of whether UC San Diego’s returning championship core can carry its Big West success into a final season in the conference—and against a ranked opponent.