SWOSU Hoops opens the 2025-26 season this weekend at the GAC/MIAA Challenge in Joplin, Missouri. The Bulldogs will face Newman on Friday to begin the year before turning around to play the host, Missouri Southern, on Saturday to wrap up the opening weekend.

SWOSU faced both opponents in last year's season-opening weekend in Russellville, Arkansas, falling to Newman 80-64 before defeating Missouri Southern 76-69. Newman shot 55% from the field in the first game, while SWOSU shot 49% and went 21-of-24 from the free-throw line in the win over the Lions. Seven Bulldog returners this year appeared in those games, led by Tobias Roland, who combined for 33 points on 9-of-17 shooting.

Head Coach Brett Weiberg enters his third season at the helm of the Bulldogs. Last year, SWOSU finished 15-13 overall and 12-10 in GAC play, earning the No. 6 seed in the conference tournament after being voted 11th in the preseason poll. This season, the Bulldogs have been picked fifth in the GAC preseason poll — the program's highest ranking since 2015-16.

The 2025-26 roster features 10 returners from last season along with four newcomers — two freshmen and two transfers — as the Bulldogs look to build on last year's winning campaign.

Roland and Elijah Jordan (formerly Williams) return from last year's squad to lead the Bulldogs. Roland was a GAC Honorable Mention selection after averaging 12.8 points per game while shooting just under 50% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, along with 1.1 steals per game. Jordan added 11.7 points per game on 52% shooting and knocked down 44% of his three-point attempts, while also pulling in 4.6 rebounds per contest.

The point guard position will see new faces this season following the graduation of senior MJ Warrior, who also earned GAC Honorable Mention recognition last year after averaging 11.6 points per game.

The Bulldogs will play 13 home games inside the Pioneer Event Center this season, beginning with their home opener against NAIA opponent USAO on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. GAC play gets underway on Dec. 4 on the road against Harding — the same team that eliminated SWOSU in last year's conference tournament.

Should the Dawgs finish inside the top eight of the regular season conference standings, they will take part in the GAC Tournament held March 5-8 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.