The Bowling Green State University men’s basketball team is set to begin its 2025-26 season on Monday, November 3, with a home game against Texas State at the Stroh Center. The matchup, which starts at 7 p.m., marks the first of three consecutive home games for the Falcons to open their campaign. Following Texas State, Bowling Green will host Bethany College on November 6 and Le Moyne on November 9.
This opening contest is part of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge, now in its third year. Since joining the challenge in the 2023-24 season, BGSU has compiled a 2-2 record overall and remains undefeated (2-0) at home during these games. The upcoming meeting with Texas State will be the first between the two programs.
Head coach Todd Simon enters his third season leading Bowling Green. Under his tenure, the Falcons have posted a cumulative record of 34-32. The team returns six players from last year’s roster and begins this season with three straight home games for the first time since 1998-99.
Game night will feature Western Night promotions at the Stroh Center as well as “Pudge’s Birthday Party,” which includes a meet-and-greet with Pudge, birthday cake, and singing. Falcon Hour offers select beer for $4 and discounted soda and popcorn before tip-off.
A special ticket promotion allows fans to purchase two general admission tickets for $10 until game time.
There are also changes to parking for this season: additional limited mobility parking spaces have been designated on the north side of Lot 24 near the grass area. These spots remain paid parking and are marked with signage; fans using them should enter through the Student Entrance and may use an elevator to access seating areas.
A win over Texas State would give Bowling Green its first victory over that program and mark wins against 268 different opponents in school history. It would also keep BGSU undefeated at home in MAC-Sun Belt Challenge play.
Texas State finished last season with a .500 record (16-16 overall; 9-9 Sun Belt). In previous MAC-Sun Belt Challenge appearances, they defeated Eastern Michigan but lost to Central Michigan before winning against Ohio at a neutral site. Most recently, they won an exhibition against Huston-Tillotson by a wide margin.
Bowling Green’s recent home performance has been strong: since moving into Stroh Center in 2011, they hold a .615 winning percentage (134-84), including a .606 mark under Coach Simon (20-13).
Javontae Campbell returns after setting BGSU’s single-season steals record last year despite playing much of it with injuries to both hands. He was named to both All-MAC Third Team and All-MAC Defensive Team last season and is now just 58 steals away from entering BGSU’s career top ten—a list led by current assistant coach Anthony Stacey (226 steals from 1996–2000). Entering this year, Campbell was selected as one of five players on the Preseason All-MAC First Team.
Sam Towns enters his fourth year with Bowling Green—the longest-tenured player currently on roster—and has appeared in 52 games with 30 starts during his career.
The Falcons’ roster features significant turnover again this year: out of seventeen total players, ten are newcomers—five from Division I or II programs, two from junior colleges, and three true freshmen—while seven returners increase continuity compared to last season due to expanded roster size.
Fans can follow updates about Bowling Green men’s basketball via social media platforms including Twitter (@BGSU_Athletics; @BGSUMBB), Instagram (‘bgfalcons’; ‘bgsumhoops’), Facebook (‘BGSU Athletics’; ‘BGSU Men’s Hoops’), and YouTube (‘Falcon Athletics’).
