Northwest Florida Men’s Basketball Reveals 2025–26 Slate
NICEVILLE, Fla. — The 47th season of Northwest Florida State men's basketball is right around the corner. Head Coach Steve DeMeo and his staff have built an almost entirely new roster—returning just one player from last year (Braylon Roman)—and are ready to make a statement in 2025–26.
The Raiders released their full schedule on Monday, a challenging 30-game lineup featuring 12 home dates and 18 contests on the road or at neutral sites.
Opening Stretch
Northwest Florida launches the campaign on Halloween night, hosting Southern Union in Raider Arena. The action continues the next day with a matchup against Baton Rouge to complete the annual Raider Classic.
One week later the Raiders host another classic, welcoming Lawson State on Nov. 7 and Monroe University on Nov. 8 for back-to-back evening games.
Road Tests and Holiday Classics
The first extended road swing follows, beginning with the DSC Shootout in Daytona Beach, where Northwest Florida meets Daytona State on Nov. 14 and Hillsborough on Nov. 15.
A quick stop in Wadley, Ala., on Nov. 20 brings a rematch with Southern Union before the Raiders head west for the Pensacola Thanksgiving Classic. There they'll face Panola (Nov. 24), Wallace State–Hanceville (Nov. 25) and defending national champion Trinity Valley (Nov. 26).
The team returns to Niceville on Dec. 2 to square off with Southern Union for a third and final time, then embarks on three more holiday events:
- Tallahassee Shootout – Dec. 6 vs. Eastern Florida, Dec. 7 vs. Polk State
- Gulf Coast Classic – Dec. 12 vs. Jones College, Dec. 13 vs. Southwest Mississippi
- New Year's Eve Classic – Dec. 30 vs. Polk State, Dec. 31 vs. Reid State
Non-conference play wraps up at home on Jan. 3 against South Georgia Tech.
Panhandle Conference Play
The always-tough Panhandle Conference schedule begins Jan. 10 on the road at Tallahassee State. Key home dates include Pensacola State on Jan. 17, Chipola on Jan. 24, Tallahassee on Jan. 28, Gulf Coast on Feb. 11, Pensacola State again on Feb. 21, and the regular-season finale against Chipola on Feb. 28.
Conference road trips feature visits to Gulf Coast (Jan. 21), Pensacola (Feb. 4), Chipola (Feb. 7), Tallahassee (Feb. 14), and a late-season matchup at Gulf Coast (Feb. 25).
A Fresh Start
The Raiders are determined to return to postseason play after narrowly missing out last year—just the second time this century. That road won't be easy. Head coach Steve DeMeo and his staff have built one of the toughest schedules in the country, ensuring the team will be tested from day one.
With a nearly brand-new roster and a slate loaded with national powers, Northwest Florida faces a challenging but exciting journey. Raider fans can expect plenty of high-level matchups as the 2025–26 season promises to deliver drama, intensity, and the pursuit of a postseason return.
Keep Up with the Raiders
For the full 2025–26 men's basketball schedule, including the latest dates, times, and updates, visit nwfraiders.com. It's the best place to stay connected with all things Northwest Florida State basketball.