The Miami RedHawks have officially locked in a highly anticipated two-game series against High Point University, setting the stage for compelling college basketball matchups over the next two seasons. Head coach Travis Steele confirmed that his squad will travel to Greensboro, North Carolina during the 2026-27 season and host the Panthers in Cincinnati for the 2027-28 campaign.
This scheduling announcement comes after months of negotiations between both programs. Coach Steele revealed the details during an interview on “Rebound Rundown” with Paul Fritschner. The neutral-site series represents a significant step forward for mid-major basketball programs seeking competitive opportunities against established opponents.
Series Details Confirmed After Spring Negotiations
Back in May 2026, Travis Steele and High Point head coach Flynn Clayman reportedly reached an agreement to play during the upcoming season at a neutral site. However, the specific logistics regarding timing and location still required finalization.
The confirmation of both games demonstrates the commitment from both coaching staffs to make this matchup happen. The first game will take place in North Carolina, while the second meeting shifts to Ohio, giving fans on both sides opportunities to witness the action live.
This home-and-away format ensures fairness for both programs while creating excitement in two different markets. College basketball fans in the Cincinnati area will have the chance to see the Panthers compete on their home court during the 2027-28 season.
High Point’s Historic NCAA Tournament Victory
The High Point Panthers captured national attention after delivering a stunning first-round upset in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. As a 12th-seeded team, they knocked off No. 5 Wisconsin to secure the program’s first NCAA Tournament win in school history.
Coach Flynn Clayman used the tournament spotlight to advocate for more opportunities for mid-major programs. His post-game comments resonated throughout the college basketball community and drew parallels to Miami Ohio’s own scheduling challenges.
“Looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors during the season. They said we ain’t played nobody. We played somebody now. Nobody would play us, just like nobody would play Miami Ohio. But they gotta play us in this tournament.”
Clayman’s passionate defense of mid-major scheduling highlighted a persistent issue in college basketball. Many smaller programs struggle to secure games against high-major opponents, limiting their exposure and tournament seeding potential.
RedHawks’ Own NCAA Tournament Journey
The Miami RedHawks also made waves during the 2026 NCAA Tournament. They secured a victory over SMU in the tournament’s First Four, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level of college basketball.
Their tournament run came to an end in the round of 64 against Tennessee. However, the experience gained from competing in March Madness provides valuable momentum heading into future seasons.
Coach Travis Steele has been vocal about the importance of scheduling quality opponents throughout the regular season. This philosophy directly led to the High Point series becoming a reality for both programs.
The Mid-Major Scheduling Debate
Both High Point and Miami have faced similar obstacles when attempting to schedule games against power conference teams. This shared experience created a natural connection between the two programs and their coaching staffs.
The scheduling challenges facing mid-major basketball programs continue to spark debate across the sport. Critics argue that high-major teams often avoid competitive non-conference matchups to protect their records and tournament seeding.
By agreeing to face each other, High Point and Miami are taking matters into their own hands. This series proves that mid-major programs can create compelling basketball matchups without waiting for invitations from larger conferences.
The neutral-site format for the first game adds an interesting dimension to the series. Fans from both schools can potentially travel to Greensboro for a unique gameday atmosphere that differs from traditional home games.
What This Means for Basketball Fans
For supporters of both programs, this announcement provides concrete dates to mark on their calendars. The 2026-27 matchup in Greensboro, North Carolina offers an opportunity for fans to experience a neutral-site environment.
The 2027-28 game in Cincinnati brings the Panthers to Ohio, allowing RedHawks fans to witness this competitive matchup without extensive travel. Both games promise to deliver high-quality college basketball action.
This series also demonstrates the growing movement among mid-major coaches to support each other through scheduling agreements. The relationship between Steele and Clayman shows how collaboration can benefit both programs’ competitive aspirations.
Ticket information and specific game dates have not yet been announced. Fans should monitor both schools’ athletic department websites for updates as the 2026-27 season approaches.
The partnership between these two programs sends a clear message to the broader college basketball community. Mid-major teams deserve recognition and competitive opportunities, and they’re willing to create those chances themselves when necessary.
When will Miami RedHawks play High Point?
The Miami RedHawks will face High Point during the 2026-27 season in Greensboro, North Carolina, and again during the 2027-28 season in Cincinnati.
Why is the High Point matchup significant?
High Point achieved its first NCAA Tournament win in school history during March 2026, upsetting No. 5 Wisconsin as a 12th-seeded team.
How did Miami RedHawks perform in the 2026 NCAA Tournament?
The RedHawks defeated SMU in the First Four before losing to Tennessee in the round of 64.
What format will the series follow?
The series follows a neutral-site and home format, with the first game in Greensboro and the second game hosted by Miami in Cincinnati.
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