Purdue, DePaul, Pitt, and Oklahoma Set for 2026 Fort Myers Tip-Off

College basketball fans have a high-profile Thanksgiving week to look forward to, as the field for the ninth annual Fort Myers Tip-Off has been officially announced. The event, which has become a staple of the early-season calendar, will bring four major programs to Florida SouthWestern State College for a series of high-stakes matchups.

Tournament Field and Schedule

The 2026 edition of the tournament features a formidable lineup, including Purdue, DePaul, Pitt, and Oklahoma. The Beach Division schedule is set to tip off on November 24, with two marquee games highlighting the opening day of action:

• Purdue vs. DePaul: This matchup marks the first meeting between the two programs in 20 years. The teams last faced off at the 2006 Maui Invitational, and the Boilermakers currently hold a 12-9 advantage in the all-time series.
• Pitt vs. Oklahoma: The Panthers, led by head coach Jeff Capel, will take on the Sooners as part of the opening-day slate.

The tournament continues on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, where the teams will square off in subsequent contests to conclude the event.

Key Context for the Matchups

The tournament arrives with significant storylines for each program. Purdue enters the season following a 30-9 campaign that included an Elite Eight appearance—the program’s seventh Sweet Sixteen trip in the last nine tournaments. Adding a layer of familiarity to the court, DePaul assistant coach Jack Owens brings extensive knowledge of the Boilermakers, having served nine seasons at Purdue under former head coach Matt Painter.

For DePaul, the event represents a notable opportunity to test their roster against top-tier competition. Head coach Chris Holtmann, who previously attended the Fort Myers Tip-Off in 2021 during his tenure at Ohio State, will look to guide the Blue Demons through their first appearance in the tournament.

Tournament Impact and Fan Information

The Fort Myers Tip-Off has solidified its reputation as one of college basketball’s premier early-season events. In recent years, the tournament has hosted championship-caliber programs, including 2026 national champion Michigan and 2025 national champion Florida.

Fans looking to attend the games can access ticket information and official travel packages through the official Fort Myers Tip-Off website. Available packages include accommodations at tournament hotels, tickets for both games, and VIP parking. Organizers note that single-game tickets, specific game times, and television broadcast details will be released later this fall.

Key Takeaways

• Event Dates: The tournament takes place November 24 and 26, 2026, in Fort Myers, Florida.
• The Field: Purdue, DePaul, Pitt, and Oklahoma make up the four-team field.
• History: Purdue and DePaul will renew a rivalry that has been dormant since 2006.
• Planning: Travel packages are currently available, with single-game tickets and broadcast information expected in the fall.

As the college basketball season approaches, the Fort Myers Tip-Off serves as a critical proving ground for these four programs, offering an early look at how they stack up against high-major opponents on a neutral court.