The Utah men's basketball team will officially kick off its 2026-27 campaign on Monday, Nov. 2, against Long Beach State. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. (MDT) inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
The Runnin' Utes will begin the season with a five-game homestand before traveling to Charleston, S.C., for the Charleston Classic. Following that trip, the team will return to the Jon M. Huntsman Center for seven consecutive home contests to conclude the non-conference schedule. Utah is scheduled to host Towson on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. (MDT), and will host Weber State on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. (MDT).
Utah holds a 3-1 all-time record against Long Beach State and is currently on a three-game winning streak against the Beach. The program's only loss to Long Beach State occurred on Dec. 10, 1977, in a game that ended 80-79 in favor of the visitors. Head coach Alex Jensen, who has a 1-0 record in season-openers, looks to improve that mark during the upcoming contest.
The Long Beach State squad features two returning players, JJ Chaikovsky and Christian Jones, who accounted for 78 points from last year's offense. Second-year head coach Chris Acker has added 13 new players to the roster, including nine from the transfer portal, two from the JC ranks, and two incoming freshmen. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Chris Sylvester and former Runnin' Utes assistant Joe Cravens providing the call.
The Runnin' Utes Express Shuttle will return for the 2026-27 season in a modified form. This free service will run exclusively from the Eccles Broadcast Lot (Lot 27) to the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The shuttle will begin operating 60 minutes before scheduled tip-offs and will run continuously, as demand warrants, until 45 minutes after the conclusion of games.
