Cowboy Basketball returning to Charleston Classic in November

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State will return to historic downtown Charleston, S.C., this November as part of the six-team field for the 2026 Shriners Children's Charleston Classic.

ESPN Events announced Thursday that the Cowboys will join Dayton, Minnesota, Northwestern, Utah and Virginia Tech for the two-day event at the College of Charleston's TD Arena.

Each team will play Friday, Nov. 20, and Sunday, Nov. 22. Matchups and game times will be announced later this summer, with tickets on sale afterward.

Fans can visit CharlestonClassic.com for additional information and to register for presale access.

The trip will mark Oklahoma State's third Charleston Classic appearance and its second in three seasons under head coach Steve Lutz. The Cowboys defeated Miami during their most recent visit in 2024 and finished third in their tournament debut in 2015.

Oklahoma State is coming off a 20-win season and its second consecutive postseason appearance. The Cowboys advanced to the second round of the NIT while ranking among the nation's top 25 in scoring offense.

Veteran point guard Kanye Clary returns after averaging 10.6 points and 4.6 assists per game. He will be joined by the Big 12's highest-rated transfer class, according to On3's portal index, and a consensus top-10 freshman class.

Dayton has recorded five consecutive 20-win seasons under head coach Anthony Grant. The Flyers won 25 games last season and advanced to the NIT quarterfinals.

Minnesota returns senior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who averaged 13.4 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds per game last season.

Northwestern made the first back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in program history in 2023 and 2024, reaching the second round both years.

Utah enters its second season under head coach and former Runnin' Ute Alex Jensen.

Virginia Tech is led by senior forward Amani Hansberry, who averaged 14.3 points per game and earned first-team NABC All-East Region honors last season.

Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the Shriners Children's Charleston Classic is entering its 18th year. Recent champions include Florida, St. Bonaventure, College of Charleston, Houston and Drake.

The event adopted a two-game format in 2025, with Clemson and Utah State winning their respective sides.

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Cowboy Basketball returning to Charleston Classic in November

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