SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Ecclesia College Royals are set to embark on one of their most ambitious men's basketball schedules in recent history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Cary Shelton, the Royals will face a challenging mix of NAIA, NCAA Division II, and exhibition opponents as they aim to make noise across the Midwest this winter.
Tough Road Ahead
The Royals open their campaign on October 23 with a road trip to College of the Ozarks, setting the tone for a schedule packed with powerhouse matchups. Early contests include stops at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, John Brown University, and Southern University—a stretch that will test the Royals' endurance and depth before conference play even begins.
The non-conference slate also features NCAA Division I exhibition matchups at Alabama State, Louisiana Tech, and Oral Roberts University, giving Ecclesia invaluable experience against high-level competition. "We've built a schedule that's going to challenge us from day one," Coach Shelton said. "If we want to grow as a program, we have to play teams that make us better every night."
Returning Core and New Additions
The Royals bring back a strong core along with a talented recruiting class eager to make an impact. The team's offseason focus on conditioning and defensive intensity is expected to pay dividends as Ecclesia looks to improve upon last season's performance.
Home Stretch at The Jones Center
After a month-long road gauntlet, Ecclesia finally returns home on January 12 to face Arkansas Baptist College at The Jones Center in Springdale. Fans can look forward to several home matchups in January and February, including contests against Champion Christian College, Calvary University, and Lyon College.
The home atmosphere is special and Royals fans can look forward to some exciting games to start the new year.
Building Toward March
The Royals close out regular-season play on February 20 in Hot Springs against Champion Christian, a matchup that could have postseason implications. With a challenging schedule and a hungry roster, Ecclesia aims to position itself as a contender within the NCCAA and beyond.
As the 2025–26 season tips off, one thing is certain: the Royals are ready to rise.
