Higher-rated Gonzaga opens against rebuilding Purdue in Las Vegas

No. 12 Gonzaga opens its 2026–27 season against No. 24 Purdue on Nov. 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Bulldogs enter with higher preseason analytics ratings, while Purdue is rebuilding after losing several key players, including Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn. Gonzaga’s preview highlights Braden Huff’s scoring inside and the potential to exploit Purdue’s inexperienced frontcourt, as well as a pace contrast: Purdue typically plays slowly, while Gonzaga may look to push the tempo. Purdue has won its previous meetings with Gonzaga, including NCAA Tournament games in 2000 and 2024.