The University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University have confirmed dates for a 2026-27 men’s basketball home-and-home series, underscoring the persistence of a rivalry that stretches across the border of two counties and remains central to both schools’ regional schedules.
Dates, venues and context
The Miners and the Aggies will open the pair of nonconference games on Nov. 12, 2026, in El Paso, followed by the return game on Nov. 19, 2026, in Las Cruces. New Mexico State athletic director Joe Fields publicly announced the dates on the June 4 episode of his program "Cup of Joe."
Those basketball matchups resume the pattern of two meetings most seasons — a practice driven by geography and the scheduling realities of mid-major programs. The teams generally played twice yearly, except during the 2020-21 COVID-19 season. The two most recent seasons featured the pair in Conference USA; for 2026-27 the games are nonconference contests.
Football and conference complications
Football between the programs will not resume immediately. UTEP’s move to the Mountain West Conference and the long-term scheduling commitments that accompany that shift mean the matchup likely won’t return until at least 2029. Both schools have said they intend to revive the football rivalry in the future, but conference scheduling windows and existing contracts are complicating a near-term renewal.
Meanwhile, New Mexico State received its Conference USA schedule on July 10, 2026. UTEP’s full nonconference slate remains unannounced while the Mountain West releases its conference schedule.
- Men’s basketball dates: Nov. 12, 2026 — El Paso; Nov. 19, 2026 — Las Cruces.
- Football: No scheduled meeting until at least 2029 due to conference commitments.
- Conference notes: New Mexico State now in Conference USA; UTEP in Mountain West.
| Sport | 2026-27 Status |
|---|---|
| Men’s basketball | Two nonconference games scheduled (Nov. 12 & Nov. 19) |
| Women’s basketball | Home-and-home expected, per announcement |
| Football | Not scheduled; likely resume in 2029 or later |
For El Paso and Doña Ana counties, the rivalry brings more than local bragging rights. These games typically mean ticket demand, local economic activity from visiting fans, and a recruiting spotlight for both programs across the region. Athletic directors and coaches use such rivalry dates to preserve tradition while navigating the practicalities of modern conference alignment.
UTEP officials have not released the Miners’ full nonconference schedule, citing the Mountain West’s pending release of its conference slate. New Mexico State’s receipt of its Conference USA schedule on July 10 establishes that program’s league commitments for the season.
Fans seeking tickets, on-campus events or broadcast information should monitor each school’s athletic communications. With the two games now set, planning can begin for what remains one of the Southwest’s enduring college sports matchups.
