Wayne State opens its 2026-27 season at home Monday against No. 14 Walsh. The Warriors are coming off an 82-75 exhibition win over Detroit Mercy, but face a formidable opponent: Walsh went 29-4 last season and reached the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional final. Wayne State returns four letterwinners and adds nine newcomers as coach Bryan Smothers begins his fifth season.

By the Numbers
  • Wayne State beat Detroit Mercy, 82-75, in its Nov. 2 exhibition.
  • Jalen Jenkins led Wayne State with 23 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals.
  • Walsh went 29-4 overall and 17-3 in the G-MAC last season.
  • Wayne State was picked ninth in the 11-team GLIAC preseason poll.
  • The Warriors’ schedule includes 28 games, with 14 at home.
Yes, But

Wayne State’s exhibition win offers an encouraging start, but Walsh arrives as a nationally ranked regional finalist and the G-MAC preseason favorite. The Warriors also have significant roster turnover, with nine newcomers and just one returning starter.

What’s Next

Tipoff against Walsh is set for 7 p.m. Monday at the WSU Fieldhouse. Wayne State then travels to Ashland, Ohio, for games against Malone on Friday and host Ashland on Saturday.

Bottom Line

Wayne State starts its season with an immediate test: a home opener against one of the region’s top teams will show how quickly a reshaped roster can compete.