Hailey
The Emporia State Hornets men’s basketball team is ready for another exciting season under head coach Tom Billeter.
The 2025–26 season is not just about basketball—it is also a Year of Celebration at Emporia State University.
Fans will enjoy a packed schedule with 12 home games at White Auditorium, free general admission seating, and thrilling matchups across the MIAA conference and beyond.
If you are a Hornet fan, here’s a complete breakdown of the new season’s schedule, ticketing information, and what to expect this year.
Free General Admission Seating for 2025–26
As part of the university’s Year of Celebration, all general admission seats are free at White Auditorium this season.
However, to secure your favorite spot, fans can purchase reserved season tickets at esuhornets.com. Returning season ticket holders have until the first game to renew their previous seats.
Reserved season tickets also include special options like the VIP Experience, which bundles a reserved seat with access to the Hornet Halftime Room at a 10% discount.
Season Opener – Hillyard Classic in Missouri
The Hornets will kick off the season at the Hillyard Classic in St. Joseph, Missouri, for the second straight year.
- Nov 14, 2025 – vs. Wayne State (Nebraska)
- Nov 15, 2025 – vs. St. Cloud State
Both games will be played at the MWSU Fieldhouse on the campus of Missouri Western.
Home Debut at White Auditorium
Unlike last season, the Hornets will make their home debut in November:
- Nov 19, 2025 – vs. William Jewell
Emporia State has an impressive history at home, winning 22 of their last 25 home openers at White Auditorium.
Key Early Games – November 2025
- Nov 22, 2025 – Neutral site game vs. Lincoln University (Kansas City, Mo.)
- Nov 28, 2025 – Road game vs. Oklahoma Baptist (Shawnee, Okla.)
- Nov 29, 2025 – Road game vs. Northwestern Oklahoma (Alva, Okla.)
Start of MIAA Conference Play
Conference play begins in early December.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 4, 2025 | Northwest Missouri | Maryville, Mo. |
| Dec 6, 2025 | Missouri Western | White Auditorium |
| Dec 15, 2025 | Kansas Christian | White Auditorium |
| Dec 17, 2025 | Sterling | White Auditorium |
| Dec 20, 2025 | Rockhurst | Kansas City, Mo. |
New Year Highlights – January 2026
- Jan 1, 2026 – at Central Missouri
- Jan 3, 2026 – vs. Washburn (Turnpike Tussle)
- Jan 8–17, 2026 – Four-game home stand with Fort Hays State, Neb.-Kearney, Washburn, and Central Missouri
- Jan 22–31, 2026 – Road trip to Oklahoma and Arkansas (Tahlequah, Ark.-Fort Smith, Rogers State, Central Oklahoma)
February 2026 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 5 | Pittsburg State | White Auditorium |
| Feb 7 | Missouri Southern | White Auditorium |
| Feb 12 | Fort Hays State | Hays, Kan. |
| Feb 14 | Neb.-Kearney | Kearney, Neb. |
| Feb 21 | Newman | White Auditorium |
| Feb 25 | Missouri Western | St. Joseph, Mo. |
| Feb 28 | Northwest Missouri (Senior Day) | White Auditorium |
Postseason Play – March & April 2026
- MIAA Tournament – March 3–8, 2026, Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Mo.
- NCAA Regionals – March 14–15, 2026 (campus sites)
- Elite Eight – March 25 & 27, 2026, UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, Pittsburgh, Penn.
- National Championship Game – April 5, 2026, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.
Coach Tom Billeter’s Second Year
Head coach Tom Billeter enters his second season with Emporia State after achieving his 500th career win last year. The Hornets advanced to the MIAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive year, showing consistent progress under his leadership.
The 2025–26 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory for Emporia State basketball. With free general admission, tough conference matchups, and a chance to compete for the MIAA and NCAA championships, Hornet fans will have plenty to cheer about.
Whether you are attending games at White Auditorium or following on the road, this season is shaping up to be a milestone year for the program.