Look, I get it. If you’re searching for the ksu mens basketball schedule, you’re probably either looking for the Kansas State Wildcats or the Kennesaw State Owls. It’s a classic Google trap. One is a Big 12 powerhouse trying to survive a brutal January gauntlet, and the other is an up-and-coming Conference USA squad making some serious noise in Georgia.
Honestly, both teams are at a massive crossroads right now.
Today is January 17, 2026. If you're checking the scores tonight, you're going to see two very different vibes. Kansas State is heading into Stillwater to face Oklahoma State, desperate to snap a winless start to the 2026 calendar year. Meanwhile, Kennesaw State is up in Kentucky, taking on Western Kentucky in a game that could define their standing in CUSA.
The Brutal Big 12 Grind: Kansas State's Path
Jerome Tang is a vibe, but right now, that vibe is "pissed off." Those were his exact words after the loss to UCF earlier this week. The Wildcats are sitting at 9-8 overall and a painful 0-4 in Big 12 play. If you've followed K-State for a while, you know the Big 12 doesn't give you "get right" games. Every night is a fistfight in a phone booth.
Here is what the immediate ksu mens basketball schedule looks like for the Wildcats:
💡 You might also like: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
- Jan 17: @ Oklahoma State (9:05 PM CT on CBS Sports Network). This is a must-win. Historically, Gallagher-Iba Arena has been a house of horrors for the Cats, but they need this to stop the bleeding.
- Jan 20: vs. Utah (8:00 PM CT on CBSSN). The Utes are new to the neighborhood, and Bramlage needs to be rocking for this one.
- Jan 24: vs. Kansas (7:00 PM CT on FOX). The Sunflower Showdown. It’s the biggest game on the calendar. Period.
- Jan 27: @ West Virginia (7:30 PM CT on FS1). A Tuesday night in Morgantown is never easy.
The talent is there. P.J. Haggerty has been a scoring machine, dropping 23 points in that UCF loss. But as Tang said, at some point, the execution has to match the effort. They’re missing that "close-out" gene right now. If they don't find it by the time the Jayhawks roll into Manhattan on the 24th, the season might start slipping away.
The Owls are Soaring: Kennesaw State’s CUSA Journey
Switching gears to the "other" KSU. Antoine Pettway has turned Kennesaw State into one of the most fun teams to watch in the country. They play fast. They score a lot. Basically, they're the team you want to bet the "over" on.
They entered today with an 11-6 record. That’s solid. After moving to Conference USA, people wondered if the Owls would struggle with the step up in competition. Instead, they’ve been competitive in almost every outing.
Check out the upcoming ksu mens basketball schedule for the Owls:
📖 Related: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
- Jan 17: @ Western Kentucky (3:00 PM EST on ESPN+). Diddle Arena is one of the toughest mid-major environments in the country.
- Jan 21: @ Sam Houston (7:30 PM EST). A long road trip to Huntsville, Texas.
- Jan 24: @ Louisiana Tech (3:00 PM EST). The Bulldogs are usually at the top of the conference, so this is a huge litmus test.
- Jan 28: vs. Western Kentucky (7:00 PM EST). The return leg. Back home at the KSU Convocation Center.
Pettway is doing something special. He just signed a massive 2026 recruiting class, keeping Georgia talent like Zyree Brown at home. It’s clear the program isn't just a one-hit wonder from their tournament run a few years back. They are building a sustainable winner in Kennesaw.
Why This Schedule Matters More Than Usual
The 2025-26 season feels different for both schools. For Kansas State, it's about proving the Jerome Tang era wasn't just a flash in the pan with Markquis Nowell. They’ve got a mix of high-major transfers and young guys like David Castillo who are still learning how to win at this level.
For Kennesaw State, it's about respect. They aren't just an Atlantic Sun team anymore. Being in CUSA means bigger TV deals, better opponents, and a harder path to the Big Dance.
How to Watch the Games
Don't be that person who misses the tip-off because you can't find the stream. Most of the Kansas State games are spread across FOX, FS1, and CBS Sports Network. You’ll need a solid cable package or something like Fubo or YouTube TV.
👉 See also: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
Kennesaw State is much simpler. Almost everything they do is on ESPN+. If you have the Disney bundle, you're set. Just search "Kennesaw State" in the app.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're heading to a game or just watching from the couch, here is what you should actually watch for:
- Kansas State’s Three-Point Defense: They've been getting shredded lately. If they don't close out on shooters against Oklahoma State tonight, it's going to be a long flight back to Manhattan.
- Kennesaw State’s Pace: Pettway wants them to run. Watch the first four minutes. If they are pushing the ball after every miss and every make, they are in their element.
- The "Bramlage Factor": For the Jan 24th game against KU, get your tickets now. That game will likely be a "quad 1" opportunity that defines their tournament resume.
The ksu mens basketball schedule is packed with landmines this month. Whether you're rooting for the Wildcats in the Little Apple or the Owls in the A, the next two weeks will basically decide if these teams are playing for seeding in March or just playing for pride. Keep an eye on the injury reports, especially for K-State, as the physical toll of the Big 12 season is already starting to show on the veterans.