The Gonzaga Bulldogs consistently face a demanding nonconference schedule in preparation for their upcoming March matchups. Since 2018, the team has competed against 23 AP Top 25 teams, averaging four such matchups per season. These games have included contests against esteemed teams such as Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, Duke, UCLA, and Syracuse.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, it is anticipated that the tradition of high-profile games will persist. However, recent shifts in conference expansion across college athletics may potentially diminish some of these opportunities in the future. The increased number of league games in the Big 12 and the ACC has affected non-league scheduling.
Furthermore, the WCC has undergone expansion, welcoming new members to the league. This expansion has resulted in Gonzaga playing two additional league games. Additionally, the cancellation of the series with Washington has opened up space for the Bulldogs to schedule up to six more games, in accordance with NCAA rules.
At present, Gonzaga’s nonconference schedule includes various matchups, including the 2024 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, where they will compete against teams such as Arizona, Indiana, Louisville, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Davidson, and Providence. This tournament will be televised on ESPN networks.
On December 7, the Bulldogs will face the Kentucky Wildcats at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. This matchup represents the third installment of the Gonzaga-Kentucky nonconference series, and it will be hosted at Climate Pledge Arena for the 2024 Battle in Seattle event.
Subsequently, on December 14, Gonzaga will travel to Madison Square Garden in New York to take on the UConn Huskies. The game is expected to be enthralling, with both teams performing at a high level.
The Bulldogs will also rekindle their West Coast rivalry with the UCLA Bruins, with games set to occur at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and another matchup in Seattle during the 2025-26 season.
The lone true road game in the nonconference segment of the season will be a matchup with the San Diego State Aztecs at the Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.
In summary, the 2024-25 season appears poised to be an exhilarating one for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, featuring high-stakes matchups against formidable opponents. This challenging nonconference schedule will undoubtedly prepare them for the trials that await them in March.