The Miami RedHawks basketball program has officially scheduled a highly anticipated two-game neutral-site series against High Point University, one of college basketball’s most exciting emerging programs. This Miami RedHawks basketball series will span two seasons, bringing together two teams that made significant noise during the 2026 NCAA Tournament and represents a growing movement in college basketball scheduling.
Series Details and Game Locations Revealed
Head coach Travis Steele confirmed the exciting matchup details during an interview on “Rebound Rundown” with Paul Fritschner. The first game of this neutral-site series will take place during the 2026-27 season in Greensboro, North Carolina. The second meeting will follow during the 2027-28 season in Cincinnati.
This Miami RedHawks basketball series arrangement ensures that neither team plays on their home court, creating a fair competitive environment for both programs. The neutral-site format also provides opportunities for fans from both communities to travel and experience the games in new venues.
For South Florida basketball enthusiasts with ties to Ohio and the Mid-American Conference, this series represents a chance to follow their beloved RedHawks against quality competition. The Cincinnati location for the 2027-28 game offers a reasonable driving distance for dedicated fans.
High Point’s Historic NCAA Tournament Run
The matchup carries significant weight following High Point’s remarkable 2026 NCAA Tournament performance. The Panthers, seeded 12th in their region, pulled off one of the tournament’s most memorable upsets by defeating No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round. This victory marked the first NCAA Tournament win in High Point program history.
Head coach Flynn Clayman led his team to this historic achievement, earning national recognition and respect from coaches across the country. The upset victory validated High Point’s place among competitive mid-major programs and strengthened the argument for more games between high-major and mid-major programs.
“Looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors during the season. They said we ain’t played nobody. We played somebody now. Nobody would play us, just like nobody would play Miami Ohio. But they gotta play us in this tournament.”
This powerful statement from Clayman resonated throughout college basketball, highlighting scheduling inequities that affect mid-major programs seeking quality opponents. His comments drew direct parallels between High Point’s situation and the challenges faced by the Miami RedHawks.
RedHawks’ Own NCAA Tournament Journey
The Miami RedHawks also made their mark during the 2026 NCAA Tournament, though their journey took a different path. Coach Steele’s squad earned their spot in the tournament field and faced immediate challenges in the First Four round. The team responded with a determined effort, securing a victory against SMU to advance.
Their tournament run continued into the round of 64, where they faced the formidable Tennessee Volunteers. Despite a competitive effort, the RedHawks fell to the Southeastern Conference powerhouse, ending their 2026 tournament journey. However, the experience gained from tournament play will prove valuable as the program continues building.
The Miami RedHawks basketball program under Steele’s leadership has demonstrated consistent competitiveness, making them an attractive opponent for programs seeking quality non-conference matchups. Their tournament appearance reinforced the program’s credibility on the national stage.
A Shift in College Basketball Scheduling Philosophy
The agreement between Miami and High Point represents a broader movement in college basketball toward more competitive non-conference scheduling. For years, mid-major programs have struggled to secure games against high-major opponents during the regular season, limiting their ability to build tournament-worthy resumes.
Both Steele and Clayman have been vocal advocates for scheduling reform. Back in May, the two coaches publicly announced their agreement in principle to play, though the specific logistics required additional planning. The finalization of this series demonstrates their commitment to walking the talk.
This Miami RedHawks basketball series against High Point could serve as a model for other programs facing similar scheduling challenges. By choosing neutral sites, both teams avoid the political complications of home-and-home series while still competing in meaningful games.
The selection of Greensboro and Cincinnati as host cities was strategic. Greensboro provides a location accessible to High Point’s North Carolina fan base, while Cincinnati offers proximity to Miami University’s Oxford, Ohio campus and the broader Ohio basketball community.
What This Means for Basketball Fans and Communities
For basketball enthusiasts in Miami and South Florida who follow Ohio sports, this series offers exciting matchup possibilities. Many residents maintain strong connections to Midwestern universities, making Big Ten and Mid-American Conference games relevant to the community.
The neutral-site format opens doors for fans who might not otherwise have opportunities to see these teams play. Both Greensboro and Cincinnati are accessible destinations, and the games could become part of basketball travel packages for dedicated supporters.
The 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons will feature this compelling matchup between two programs that share a common philosophy about competitive scheduling. Both Travis Steele and Flynn Clayman have built their programs on challenging opponents and earning respect through performance.
This partnership also elevates the profiles of both athletic departments. Quality non-conference games attract media attention, television coverage, and recruiting interest. For student-athletes considering these programs, seeing their prospective school compete against quality opponents matters significantly.
The Miami RedHawks continue establishing themselves as a program willing to take on challenging opponents. Coach Steele’s approach to scheduling reflects his confidence in his players and his commitment to preparing them for tournament-level competition.
Meanwhile, High Point builds on its historic tournament success by scheduling opponents that will continue testing the Panthers against quality competition. Coach Clayman’s advocacy for mid-major programs has resulted in tangible scheduling changes that benefit his team.
As college basketball evolves, series like this one between Miami and High Point may become more common. The 2026 NCAA Tournament demonstrated that mid-major teams can compete with anyone when given the opportunity, and regular-season scheduling should reflect that reality.
When will the Miami RedHawks play High Point in the 2026-27 season?
The Miami RedHawks will face High Point during the 2026-27 season at a neutral site in Greensboro, North Carolina. The exact date has not yet been announced by either program.
Where will the second game of the series take place?
The second game between Miami and High Point is scheduled for the 2027-28 season in Cincinnati, providing a neutral-site location accessible to the RedHawks fan base.
Why is this series significant for both programs?
Both Miami and High Point competed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. High Point achieved its first tournament victory in program history, while Miami won in the First Four. Both coaches have advocated for more games between high-major and mid-major programs.
What did High Point accomplish in the 2026 NCAA Tournament?
High Point, seeded 12th, upset No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round for the first NCAA Tournament win in school history. Coach Flynn Clayman led the Panthers to this historic achievement.
How did Miami perform in the 2026 NCAA Tournament?
The Miami RedHawks defeated SMU in the First Four before falling to Tennessee in the round of 64. Coach Travis Steele led the team to their tournament appearance.
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