Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Basketball to face Minnesota, VA Tech at Charleston Classic
September 10, 2026 | Cowboy Basketball
Oklahoma State will face Minnesota and Virginia Tech as part of the 2026 Rays Children's Charleston Classic, ESPN Events announced Thursday.
The Cowboys will open against Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 20, at 11:30 a.m. CT on ESPN2 before taking on Virginia Tech on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Now in its 18th year, the Charleston Classic will feature a new format this season, replacing its traditional bracket with pre-set matchups. Dayton, Northwestern and Utah complete the six-team field.
Oklahoma State and Minnesota have met eight times previously, with the Golden Gophers holding a 5-3 edge in the all-time series. The teams' last three meetings have all come at neutral sites, most recently in December 2019 at Tulsa's BOK Center.
The Cowboys will also renew a series with Virginia Tech for the first time since December 2022, when the teams met at the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational in Brooklyn. The Hokies have won each of the five previous meetings.
Virginia Tech is coming off a 19-13 season and returns honorable mention All-ACC forward Amani Hansberry as part of a five-player returning group. The Hokies also added seven transfers, including former Oklahoma State guard Jaylen Curry.
Minnesota enters its second season under head coach Niko Medved after finishing 15-18 overall and 8-12 in Big Ten play last year. The Gophers return three starters, including senior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who averaged 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma State is coming off a 20-win campaign and its second consecutive postseason appearance under head coach Steve Lutz. The Cowboys advanced to the second round of the NIT and finished among the nation's top 25 in scoring offense.
2026 Rays Children's Charleston Classic
Charleston, S.C. | TD Arena
Friday, Nov. 20 (All times Central)
11:30 a.m. -- Oklahoma State vs. Minnesota (ESPN2)
2:00 p.m. -- Northwestern vs. Virginia Tech (ESPN2)
4:30 p.m. -- Dayton vs. Utah (ESPN2)
Sunday, Nov. 22 (All times Central)
Noon -- Dayton vs. Northwestern (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m. -- Oklahoma State vs. Virginia Tech (ESPN)
5:00 p.m. -- Utah vs. Minnesota
Players Mentioned
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