Main Story: Wayne State will visit Division I Detroit Mercy on Nov. 2 for its final exhibition before opening the 2026-27 season at home against Walsh on Nov. 9. The Warriors return four letterwinners and add nine newcomers after a 13-14 season; Detroit Mercy, which reached last season’s Horizon League title game, also has nine newcomers.

By the Numbers
  • Exhibition: Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at Calihan Hall.
  • 2025-26 records: Wayne State, 13-14; Detroit Mercy, 17-15.
  • Wayne State’s schedule: 28 games, including 20 GLIAC contests.
  • GLIAC preseason poll: Wayne State was picked ninth out of 11 teams.
Yes, But

Wayne State won last year’s exhibition matchup, 56-54, but Detroit Mercy enters after a stronger season and a run to its conference tournament final. Wayne State has limited returning production, with senior forward Marshall Thorn its lone returning starter.

What's Next

The Warriors open the regular season against Walsh on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. The 2026-27 schedule also includes a December trip to Puerto Rico, while the GLIAC Tournament begins March 3.

Bottom Line

The Detroit Mercy exhibition is a final tune-up, but Wayne State’s season will hinge on how quickly its newcomers complement a small returning core.