There is optimism that this trend will continue, especially with the NCAA allowing teams to schedule up to 32 games starting in the 2026-27 season, creating more opportunities for nonconference play.

This matchup will be one of three notable nonconference games scheduled for February 2026, alongside Baylor vs. Louisville and Duke vs. Michigan.

Both Ohio State, led by senior Bruce Thornton, and Virginia, under the guidance of coach Ryan Odom, are projected to be strong contenders for the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Ohio State University and the University of Virginia are set to face off in a nonconference basketball game on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026, marking a significant moment in college basketball.

The game will be organized by Intersport and is expected to take place at a neutral-site venue, with Nashville emerging as a potential location for fans.

This revival of February nonconference games is influenced by recent successful matchups, such as Gonzaga at Kentucky and Duke vs. Illinois, which created an NCAA Tournament-like atmosphere.

The scheduling of these high-profile games is viewed as a positive development for college basketball, indicating a potential resurgence of such matchups.

Historically, late-season nonconference games have become rare due to conference realignment and television contracts, but there is now a trend toward revitalizing these matchups.