The 2025-26 Princeton Tigers men's basketball season concluded in March 2026, marking a challenging year for the program under head coach Mitch Henderson. Playing out of the historic Jadwin Gymnasium, the Tigers faced a rigorous non-conference slate and a competitive Ivy League schedule, ultimately finishing with an overall record of 9–20 and a 5–9 mark in conference play.

As the team enters the off-season, fans and analysts are looking back at the 2025-26 schedule to understand the trajectory of the season and the key moments that defined the Tigers' campaign.

Early Non-Conference Action and Major Road Tests

Princeton opened the season on November 8, 2025, with a difficult road trip to face the Akron Zips. This early-season test proved to be a harbinger of the defensive struggles the Tigers would face throughout the year, as they fell 69–104. However, the team quickly bounced back in their home opener at Jadwin Gymnasium, securing a 73–63 victory over Bucknell.

One of the most anticipated matchups of the non-conference schedule occurred on November 15, 2025, when Princeton traveled to Lawrence, Kansas, to face the legendary #25 Kansas Jayhawks. Despite a valiant effort in the hostile environment of Allen Fieldhouse, the Tigers were outmatched, losing 57–76.

November Non-Conference Results

Date Opponent Venue Result Record
Nov 8 at Akron James A. Rhodes Arena L, 69-104 0–1
Nov 11 Bucknell Jadwin Gymnasium W, 73-63 1–1
Nov 13 John Jay Jadwin Gymnasium W, 100-59 2–1
Nov 15 at #25 Kansas Allen Fieldhouse L, 57-76 2–2
Nov 18 at Iona Hynes Athletics Center L, 69-89 2–3
Nov 20 Northeastern Jadwin Gymnasium W, 70-57 3–3

ESPN Events Invitational Performance

During the Thanksgiving week, the Tigers participated in the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee, Florida. This multi-team event (MTE) offered Princeton a chance to compete on a neutral floor at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The tournament proved difficult for the Tigers, as they dropped three consecutive games against high-quality mid-major opponents. The opening loss to Bradley (64–88) sent Princeton to the consolation bracket, where they narrowly lost to Temple and Vermont. These close losses in Florida highlighted the team's inability to close out tight games, a theme that would persist into the Ivy League season.

Invitational Matchups

  • Nov 24 vs. Bradley: L, 64–88
  • Nov 25 vs. Temple: L, 75–79
  • Nov 26 vs. Vermont: L, 74–79

Transition to Conference Play and the Ivy League Grind

Following a December schedule that included a hard-fought overtime win against Vermont at home, Princeton entered Ivy League play on January 5, 2026. The conference opener was a classic rivalry game against Penn at Jadwin Gymnasium. In a thrilling contest, the Tigers edged out the Quakers 78–76, providing a much-needed spark for the home crowd.

However, the "Ivy League Grind" proved difficult during the road trips to Harvard and Dartmouth. The Tigers suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss in Cambridge (80–87) and a two-point loss in Hanover (69–71). While the team showed resilience at home—including a dominant 76–60 win over Yale on January 10—consistency remained elusive.

2026 Ivy League Regular Season Schedule and Results

Date Opponent Venue Result Record (Conf)
Jan 5 Penn Jadwin Gymnasium W, 78-76 5–11 (1–0)
Jan 10 Yale Jadwin Gymnasium W, 76-60 6–11 (2–0)
Jan 17 at Harvard Lavietes Pavilion L, 80-87 (OT) 6–12 (2–1)
Jan 19 at Dartmouth Leede Arena L, 69-71 6–13 (2–2)
Jan 24 Brown Jadwin Gymnasium W, 63-53 7–13 (3–2)
Jan 30 at Cornell Newman Arena L, 64-87 7–14 (3–3)
Jan 31 at Columbia Levien Gymnasium W, 80-68 8–14 (4–3)
Feb 7 at Penn The Palestra L, 60-61 8–15 (4–4)
Feb 13 Cornell Jadwin Gymnasium L, 65-89 8–16 (4–5)
Feb 14 Columbia Jadwin Gymnasium L, 65-75 8–17 (4–6)
Feb 20 at Brown Pizzitola Sports Center L, 71-80 8–18 (4–7)
Feb 27 Harvard Jadwin Gymnasium L, 56-58 8–19 (4–8)
Feb 28 Dartmouth Jadwin Gymnasium W, 82-61 9–19 (5–8)
Mar 7 at Yale John J. Lee Amphitheater L, 53-78 9–20 (5–9)

Season Summary and Team Statistics

The 2025-26 season ended for Princeton on March 7 with a road loss to Yale. Finishing 5th in the Ivy League, the Tigers narrowly missed a spot in the Ivy League Tournament (Ivy Madness), which was held in Ithaca, New York.

Under Mitch Henderson’s 15th year of leadership, the team averaged 68.6 points per game while allowing 72.0. The statistical leaderboards were often dominated by the younger core, including sophomores Peyton Seals and Jack Stanton, suggesting that while the wins weren't there this year, the foundation for the 2026-27 season is being built.

Key Team Stats:

  • Overall Record: 9–20
  • Conference Record: 5–9
  • Home Record: 8–4 (Showing strong performance at Jadwin)
  • Away Record: 1–12 (A significant area for off-season improvement)
  • Points Per Game: 68.6
  • Points Allowed Per Game: 72.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final record for Princeton basketball in 2025-26?

The Princeton Tigers finished the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 9–20 and a conference record of 5–9 in the Ivy League.

Did Princeton make the Ivy League Tournament in 2026?

No, the Tigers finished 5th in the Ivy League standings. Only the top four teams qualify for the Ivy League Tournament (Ivy Madness).

Who is the head coach of Princeton men's basketball?

Mitch Henderson is the head coach. The 2025-26 season was his 14th/15th season leading his alma mater.

When does the 2026-27 Princeton basketball schedule come out?

Typically, the non-conference schedule is announced in late summer (August or September), followed by the full Ivy League schedule. Fans should expect news for the next season in late 2026.

Conclusion

The 2025-26 Princeton men's basketball season was a period of transition. While the 9–20 record was disappointing for a program with such high standards, the experience gained by the underclassmen in high-pressure environments like Allen Fieldhouse and the Palestra will be invaluable. The team showed they could defend their home court at Jadwin Gymnasium, finishing 8–4 at home, but road consistency will be the primary focus for the coaching staff heading into the next year.