The UTEP Miners men's basketball team is gearing up for an ambitious 2025-26 season filled with challenging opponents, a fact that's becoming more evident as their finalized schedule hits the public domain. According to UTEP Miners, the Miners are set to contend in 31 regular-season bouts, sixteen of which will be played out in the familiar space of the Don Haskins Center.
The season takes off with a three-game home streak, starting with UTPB on Nov. 3. But the buzz is really about the faceoff against LMU on Nov. 11, which is one of up to 10 matchups against teams that tasted postseason glory in the previous year. The Miners will also, in true road warrior fashion, embark on significant travel with nonconference games at established basketball strongholds like Utah State, known for a stellar home record, and Hawaii.
Coach Joe Golding has stitched together a brand-new roster, blending incoming talent from junior colleges, transfers from other Division I programs, and a true freshman. Among the highlights: C.J. Smith crossing over from Oklahoma State and Jamal West Jr. joining from Nicholls State. They'll join forces with returning players, with Trey Horton III, Elijah Jones, and KJ Thomas among the veterans. Jordan Hernandez is also on deck after redshirting last year, ready to contribute to the fresh dynamic Golding is aiming for.
The conference play schedule isn't pulling any punches either. UTEP kicks it off with an away game at LA Tech on Dec. 29, continuing a pattern where, for the sixth time in eight years, conference contests begin outside the comfort zone of home court advantage. The home conference opener won’t happen until Jan. 8 against Middle Tennessee, setting the stage for yet another riveting CUSA showdown in the Sun City. All eyes will likely be on matchups like the one against a robust Liberty team on Feb. 14 and a home game against Kennesaw State on March 5, where the team dynamics and season progress can truly be assessed.
Season tickets are already on sale and can be acquired through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office, a move signaling things are starting to heat up for the Miner fans. Prices and details for these passes can be found on the UTEP Miners' official website or by contacting the ticket office directly. With the men's and women's basketball teams both hitting the court on the same dates, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, there's plenty of action for UTEP supporters to experience live this coming season.
