Why Maryland men's basketball could have a schedule adjustment in 2026-27

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Maryland men's basketball could have a schedule adjustment in 2026-27.

Head coach Buzz Williams revealed during Thursday's preseason press conference that the Dec. 2 game against American University features a conditional cancellation clause, but there's a reason for that.

Maryland is set to appear in the Player's Era Tournament for the second consecutive year with game one against eighth-ranked Tennessee set for Nov. 24. Maryland will then face either Iowa State or San Diego State on Nov. 26, followed by a third game scheduled for Nov. 27 with the opponent to be determined.

If Maryland advances to the championship game or third place game, scheduled to be played on Nov. 28, then the Dec. 2 game between Maryland and American will be cancelled. Per the contract obtained via FOIA request, Maryland would still pay American the full $100,000 guarantee payment, but must notify American University of the status by noon on Nov. 28, 2026.

It marks an uncommon, yet understandable clause with potentially three preseason top-20 teams on Maryland's schedule through the first seven regular season games. Maryland has been able to prepare for that in preseason after taking down Georgia Tech, then West Virginia in a pair of public exhibition games before traveling to face Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on Saturday.

"I think the quality of the competition that our staff scheduled," Buzz Williams said.

If the early December game materializes as scheduled, it marks the first meeting between the two teams since Nov. 11, 2016 when Melo Trimble's 22 points were enough to lift Maryland over American, 62-56.

Maryland is set to open the 2026-27 regular season against Bucknell on Nov. 2.

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