Penn State men’s basketball announced its 2026-27 game themes on Thursday afternoon.

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The Nittany Lions will tip off with their home opener on November 2 against Canisius. Hoops for Troops night is set for November 12 against Mercyhurst.

Upon return from the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament over Thanksgiving break, the Nittany Lions will be back in the Bryce Jordan Center December 1 against UAlbany on Fight for Literacy night. One week later on December 8 will be Penn State’s Big Ten Opener against Nebraska, where it will host a student T-shirt giveaway.

December 19 against Lafayette marks Penn State’s annual Return to Rec game, where the Nittany Lions will head back to Rec Hall for one night to wrap up 2026’s theme nights.

Penn State will start 2027’s theme nights off with Schuylkill County day on January 10 versus Northwestern, celebrating the local roots of head coach Mike Rhoades, who hails from Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.

The White Out will take place on January 20 as Penn State hosts Purdue.

Rounding up the first month of 2027 will be Coaches vs. Cancer night on January 30 against Maryland.

February features the most theme nights, with Country Night against Indiana on February 2 as well as THON Night against Ohio State on February 6. Later in the month features the Faculty & Staff Appreciation game on February 17 against Washington and Coaches for Autism Awareness night on February 23 versus Michigan.

The Nittany Lions’ game themes will conclude with Senior Day on March 7 against Rutgers.