CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The schedule has arrived. Basketball season is just around the corner.

Austin Peay State University head basketball coach Corey Gipson announced the Governors' 2025-26 nonconference schedule featuring four contests on Gary Mathews Court at F&M Bank Arena and eight road games, which take the Governors to as many states.

"Govs Don't Quit. That is the identity this 2025–26 Austin Peay Men's Basketball team has embraced," said Gipson. "It speaks to who we are and how we approach every single day—with a pertinacious mentality, growing together, and showing resilience no matter the circumstances. We're excited for the challenges that lie ahead. Our schedule will test us early and often, but that's exactly what we want. Those experiences will prepare us for conference play and give us the opportunity to show the identity we've been building. I can't say enough about the staff, the support around this program, and most importantly, our student-athletes. They have bought into the pillars of being great servants, brothers, and having unconditional love for themselves and others. We're excited to take the floor and represent the 931 and lock the vault for the PEAYple."

The Govs offer a preview of the season with a pair of exhibitions. First, the team faces Southern Illinois (Oct. 17) in Carbondale, Illinois, before hosting longtime foe Middle Tennessee (Oct. 28) at F&M Bank Arena. The meeting between the Governors and Blue Raiders is the first by the two teams – exhibition or regular season – since a Nov. 2011 home-and-home series.

The 95th season of Austin Peay basketball officially begins on its home hardwood, where the Governors host NAIA Bryan (Nov. 3) in the second half of a doubleheader. The Govs' meeting with the Lions is the first since APSU defeated Bryan 117-57, Dec. 29, 1993, in the Winfield Dunn Center. Austin Peay is 2-0 in home openers at F&M Bank Arena, defeating Union 95-75 last season and Life 90-72 in 2023 for the first-ever victory in the arena.  

Following the season opener, Austin Peay begins a five-game road trip with back-to-back games in the American West. The Govs open the trip against Air Force (Nov. 8) – the first meeting since the 2011 National Invitational Tournament – before making its inaugural trip to the Cowboy State to face Wyoming (Nov. 11).

The second half of the road trip takes Austin Peay east to face UNC Greensboro (Nov. 15) for the first time since a 1993 home-and-home. The matchup between the Govs and Spartans is part of the Atlantic Sun Conference-Southern Conference Alliance, which now is in its second season.

After traveling to North Carolina, it is back out west for the Govs, who face Ole Miss (Nov. 18) in Oxford, Mississippi. Ole Miss was ranked No. 18 in the final Associated Press Poll of the 2024-25 season after advancing to the Sweet 16 with wins over North Carolina and Iowa State in the first and second rounds of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, respectively.

Following its game against Ole Miss, the Governors face Tulsa (Nov. 21) for the second time in program history and first since Nov. 2019.

After five-straight games and 13 days on the road, Austin Peay returns to Clarksville to host Northern Illinois (Nov. 25). The Govs are 1-1 all-time against the Huskies with their win in the series coming in Nov. 1995 in Clarksville.

The second month of the regular season begins with the Govs traveling north to face Kent State (Dec. 3), before heading to the Lone Star State for its first meeting with UTRGV – formerly Texas-Pan American – since 1991.

Two of APSU's final three nonconference games take place in Clarksville, beginning with an in-state matchup against ETSU (Dec. 12). Following a brief stop back home, the Governors head to Missouri to face Kansas City (Dec. 21) for the first time in program history. The Roos are the lone first-time opponent on APSU's 2025-26 schedule.

Finally, Austin Peay closes the nonconference season against NAIA Fisk in the second regular-season meeting between the Govs and Bulldogs, and the first since 2023.

ASUN Conference play begins with back-to-back home games against North Florida (Jan. 1) and Jacksonville (Jan. 3).

All Austin Peay home games, and select road games, will be streamed live on ESPN+. Game times for the 2025-26 schedule, along with a promotional schedule will be released

2025-26 Schedule Notes

• All-time against the noncon: Austin Peay is 39-57 all-time against its nonconference schedule – excluding exhibitions – with its most wins (30) and meetings (71) against a single opponent both being to ETSU. Of its 12 nonconference games, the Governors have only played two more than 10 times (ETSU, 71; UTRGV, 9).
• All-time against the 2025-26 slate: Austin Peay is 203-191 all-time against its entire 2025-26 schedule, with its most wins (66) and meetings (123) against a single opponent coming against Eastern Kentucky.
• Suitcase living: All nine of Austin Peay's nonconference games – including its Oct. 17 exhibition against Southern Illinois – take it to nine different states across the USA. When you add its nine road games during ASUN play, Austin Peay will travel approximately 13,936 miles by plane and bus from October to February – the most distance traveled by the team in a single season. The 13,936 miles are equivalent to 56% of the circumference of the earth.
• Longtime, no see: There are eight nonconference opponents that Austin Peay has not played in the last decade and five – UTRGV (1991), Bryan (1993), UNC Greensboro (1993), Wyoming (1996), and Northern Illinois (1996) – the Govs have not faced since the turn of the century.
• Protecting F&M: Austin Peay is 22-8 all-time at F&M Bank Arena. The Governors 22 home wins since the start of the 2023-24 season is tied for third in the league, while its 73.3 home winning percentage is best for fifth in the league during that stretch.

Follow the Govs on Social

For news and updates ahead of the Governors' 2025-26 season, follow the men's basketball team on X and Instagram (@GovsMBB) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com.