ASHLAND, Va. – After its seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, Randolph-Macon men's basketball announced a 27-game slate for the 2026-27 season. Reigning ODAC Coach of the Year Josh Merkel enters his 12th season leading the Yellow Jackets.

"Our scheduling philosophy is simple: competing against the best programs each year challenges us to learn, grow and position ourselves to play our best basketball late in the season," said Head Coach Josh Merkel.

"Division III basketball in Virginia is as competitive as ever, and the ODAC will be a battle every night. We are excited to participate in the inaugural NABC event, where we will face outstanding programs in weekend games at a neutral site. We are also grateful to be part of the first Champions Classic at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, which promises to be one of the premier events in the country. We believe that iron sharpens iron, and we are excited about the opportunities this schedule presents for our team this season."

RMC begins the season inside Crenshaw Gymnasium with a rematch of last season's NCAA Sweet 16 contest against Christopher Newport on Nov. 11. The Yellow Jackets continue their challenging start to the season with a road matchup against reigning national champion Mary Washington on Nov. 14. Randolph-Macon will return home to welcome rival Hampden-Sydney on Nov. 18. The remainder of the month will see the Lemon and Black take part in the Governor's Challenge in Salisbury, Maryland. RMC will compete in two games against Hood and Vassar on Nov. 21-22.

In December, the Yellow Jackets will begin with two conference matchups, traveling to Shenandoah on Dec. 2 before hosting Guilford on Dec. 5. Randolph-Macon will then travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the NABC Division III Tournament – Las Vegas presented by D3hoops.com. The Lemon and Black will face Wabash in the opening matchup on Dec. 20. RMC will play either Chicago or Keene State the following day. The calendar year will conclude with Randolph-Macon competing in the Champions Classic at the Henrico Sports & Events Center in Henrico, Virginia. Randolph-Macon will play Babson on Dec. 28 and Scranton on Dec. 29.

ODAC play resumes at the turn of the new year as RMC heads to Lynchburg on Jan. 6. The Yellow Jackets stay on the road, where they will tip off against Roanoke on Jan. 9. They return to Ashland to host Washington and Lee on Jan. 13 before heading back on the road for games against Randolph on Jan. 16 and Batten on Jan. 20. Randolph-Macon will return home for two games against Bridgewater and Shenandoah on Jan. 23 and 27, respectively. The month will end with a road trip to Guilford on Jan. 30.

In February, the Yellow Jackets will play their final six regular-season games, with three at home and three on the road. Randolph-Macon will travel to Hampden-Sydney (Feb. 3), Eastern Mennonite (Feb. 10) and Averett (Feb. 20). RMC will host Lynchburg (Feb. 6), Randolph (Feb. 13) and Batten (Feb. 17).

Randolph-Macon finished 9th in the final D3hoops.com poll of the 2025-26 season.