Purdue’s 2026-27 non-conference schedule is officially complete, and the last piece brings another high-major matchup to the Boilermakers’ calendar.
The program announced Thursday morning that Purdue will face Colorado in the 2026 Indy Classic, with the game set for Saturday, Dec. 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis. The annual event will feature two games that day, with Butler and Georgia Tech also on the schedule. Tipoff times and television details have not been released.
This will be the fifth edition of the Indy Classic, and Purdue has already built a strong track record in the event since it began in 2022. The Boilermakers are 3-1 in the Classic and have picked up two wins over ranked opponents along the way.
With Colorado now in place, Purdue’s non-conference slate for 2026-27 is locked in. It’s a demanding group, and that’s by design. Matt Painter has made a habit of loading up on road and neutral-site tests, and this season’s schedule continues that approach with six power-conference opponents on the docket.
Along with Colorado, Purdue is set to play Gonzaga in the Hall of Fame Series, DePaul and Oklahoma at the Fort Myers Tip Off, plus Iowa State and Tennessee. It’s the kind of early-season lineup that leaves little room for easing into the year.
Colorado enters the matchup after a 17-16 season and a run in the College Basketball Crown. Under Tad Boyle, the Buffaloes have put together plenty of solid seasons, including NCAA Tournament trips in 2021 and 2024. They’ve reached a postseason tournament in each of the last seven seasons and have made March Madness six times in Boyle’s 17 years at the helm.
Purdue will also get plenty of work before the season opener on Nov. 2.
Later this month, the Boilermakers are scheduled to play four games during an international trip to Canada. In October, they’ll add three exhibition games against Ball State, Purdue-Fort Wayne and UConn.
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