HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. (Oct. 26, 2025) — The Rust College Men’s Basketball program has officially released its full 2025-26 season schedule, marking the highly anticipated debut of first-year head coach Barry Wellington.
The Bearcats will tip off the new era tomorrow, Oct. 27, with their season and home opener against Arkansas Baptist College at 7 p.m. in Kinzell Lawson Gymnasium. The game will be a Pink Out Game in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the first 100 fans receiving a free pink T-shirt.
Rust College, which finished fifth in the East Division standings last season and exited in the first round of the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Tournament, is looking for a significant turnaround.
“This season is about growth and setting the foundation for the future of Rust College Men’s Basketball,” Wellington said. “We have a great mix of experienced returners and hungry newcomers who are ready to compete. Our fans can expect an exciting brand of basketball every night.”
Rust College men’s basketball team
The schedule is designed to engage Bearcat Nation with a series of themed home games. Highlights include:
Homecoming Night on Nov. 8 against LeMoyne-Owen College, part of the Dr. Ishmell Edwards Classic.
Greek Night on Feb. 10 against Philander Smith College.
Senior Day on Feb. 14 against Stillman College.
Other notable home opponents include Wilberforce University, Williams Baptist College, Talladega College, Voorhees College, and Fisk University.
Fans can experience every themed home game and support the Bearcats all season long by purchasing season tickets for $85. Tickets are available on the school’s website under the “Bearcat Zone” tab or at the on-campus business office.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
