NATCHITOCHES—A home game with national power LSU is the highlight of a difficult non-conference schedule for Northwestern State, one that sees it face three SEC opponents and a Big 12 foe, new head coach Alan Frey announced Tuesday.

NSU welcomes an LSU squad to Prather Coliseum on Dec. 6 that has made the Sweet 16 in each of the last four years, which includes a national championship in 2023.

It is the first time the Demons have hosted LSU since the 1983-84 season and first power conference opponent to come to Natchitoches since Alabama in the 1997-98 season.

"This non-conference schedule is an absolute celebration of Natchitoches and North Louisiana basketball, and it will challenge our team from day one," first-year head coach Alan Frey said. "Bringing a powerhouse like LSU right here to our community is a historic milestone, and we want to truly thank Kim Mulkey for her commitment to keeping elite matchups inside our state borders and bringing her team to Prather Coliseum."

LSU is the final of three games against SEC foes, traveling to Arkansas on Nov. 6 and Oklahoma on Nov. 19.

The Demons open up the 2026-27 season in front of the home fans against Ecclesia on Nov. 2 before road trips to Arkansas, Oklahoma State (Nov. 9) and Louisiana Tech (Nov. 12).

NSU welcomes LSU-Shreveport to Natchitoches on Nov. 16 for its second home contest before traveling to Oklahoma.

During Thanksgiving week, the Demons host a pair of games against Alabama State on Nov. 24 and UL Lafayette on Nov. 27.

The LSU contest wraps up Christmas Fest weekend before wrapping up non-conference play with a home game against Jackson State.

"Having UL Lafayette visit gives our local fans another high-stakes Louisiana battle right on our home floor," Frey said. "When you combine that premier home slate with a grueling, historic North Louisiana rivalry game down the road at Louisiana Tech, followed by relentless road environments at Arkansas, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma, we have built a true gauntlet.

"This schedule is intentionally designed to ignite the passion of basketball fans across our region and perfectly prepare our squad to compete for a Southland Conference championship."

Season ticket plans will be announced for purchase at a later date.