UT Martin’s Skyhawks women’s basketball program unveiled its 2025-26 schedule on Tuesday, with a mix of marquee opponents, exciting non-conference tests, and a spotlight game that pays homage to one of the sport’s most storied figures.
Key highlights of the 2025-26 slate
– Exhibition opens the year: The Skyhawks will host UT Southern on October 29 in the lone exhibition contest.
– Season kickoff: UT Martin travels to North Alabama to begin the campaign on November 3, renewing the opener from the previous season.
– Heritage Classic showcase: On November 9, UT Martin hosts Tennessee in the Pat Summitt Heritage Classic, a game designed to honor the legendary coach and her ties to both programs. Tennessee earned a Sweet 16 berth last season, adding extra spice to the matchup.
– Home dates: In addition to the Tennessee game, the Skyhawks will welcome Fisk (Nov. 16), Oakwood (Nov. 30) and Champion Christian (Dec. 14) to the Skyhawk Arena.
– West coast swing: The road schedule features a swing through the Southwest with games at New Mexico (Nov. 20) and UTEP (Nov. 22).
– December non-conference stop: UT Martin will visit Lipscomb, a 2025 WNIT qualifier, on December 4.
– Road to defense of conference crown: The trip to Arkansas State, the defending Sun Belt champions, is set for December 6.
– Conference schedule: The Ohio Valley Conference slate was released by the OVC last month, allowing Tuesday’s announcement to complete the Skyhawks’ 2025-26 itinerary. Season tickets go on sale soon, with Premium packages and tickets for the Pat Summitt Heritage Classic available separately.
What this schedule signals
– Balanced non-conference exposure: The non-conference slate blends top-tier programs, regional rivalries, and postseason-contending teams such as Tennessee and Lipscomb. It’s designed to test UT Martin while building readiness for the rugged OVC grind.
– Growth opportunities: The hometown/nearby dates provide development opportunities and strong home-court support, while the road trips—especially the West swing—offer valuable experience against varied styles.
– Heritage Classic significance: Playing Tennessee in a dedicated tribute event adds a meaningful narrative to the season and should resonate with fans and alumni alike.
Ticket information and fan note
– Tickets for the Pat Summitt Heritage Classic are available, with season tickets on sale soon. Heritage Classic tickets are not included in standard season ticket packages and must be purchased separately.
Summary and outlook
UT Martin’s 2025-26 schedule positions the Skyhawks for a competitive non-conference run that blends high-profile matchups with meaningful regional games, all while preparing for a demanding OVC schedule. Under head coach Kevin McMillan, the team aims to translate non-conference experiences into continued growth and momentum as March approaches. The combination of a landmark Heritage Classic clash, a West Coast road swing, and a balanced mix of home and away games provides a hopeful path for the Skyhawks to build confidence and compete at a high level this season. If the team can translate the early-season challenges into consistency, UT Martin could head into conference play well positioned for another strong run.