Harrogate, TN --- The Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team is set to open its 2026-27 campaign in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, as the Railsplitters travel to the Justagame Fieldhouse to participate in the Midwest Tip-off Challenge from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Lincoln Memorial tips off the three-day event on Friday, Oct. 30 at 3:45 PM. against West Texas A&M. The Railsplitters follow up on Halloween night with a 7 PM matchup against 17th-ranked Grand Valley State before wrapping up their time in America's Dairyland at 7 PM on Nov. 1 against Northern Michigan, a squad joining Lincoln Memorial in receiving votes in the NABC preseason top 25 poll.
Lincoln Memorial's opening-day opponent, West Texas A&M, enters the new season looking to build upon a 20-11 campaign last year that saw them finish their season in the Lone Star Conference Championship tournament. The Railsplitters will then turn their attention to a formidable Grand Valley State team coming off a 26-7 season where they won the GLIAC Tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals. Closing out the weekend, Northern Michigan presents another strong test after posting a 28-7 record last season and concluding its run in the NCAA Division II Regional semifinals.
The Railsplitters feature a retooled roster heading into the new season, anchored by a select group of veteran leadership. Senior guard Jayden Spearman along with redshirt senior guards Amhad Jarrard and Armon Jarrard represent the lone returning trio from last year's squad. Together, they will lead a revamped Lincoln Memorial lineup that integrates dynamic talent across every position.
Joining the backcourt alongside the returning trio is a deep group of incoming guards with varied collegiate and prep experience. Redshirt sophomore Tyler Lee, senior Miles Gurske, senior Trey Horton III, redshirt junior Ryan Nutter, and junior Kyden Thompson bring established production to the guard spot. They are paired with incoming frontcourt transfers including junior forward JC Brooks, redshirt junior forward Wes Rubin, senior guard and forward Kam Roberts, and redshirt senior forward Cesar Tchilombo.
The roster is rounded out by promising young additions and high-major transfers seeking to make an immediate impact in Harrogate. Freshman guard Landon Hanson and freshman forward Brayden Savage add size and depth to the class, while sophomore guard Tryce Grensing joins the Railsplitters after previously spending time at Indiana. With three proven returners guiding twelve fresh faces, Lincoln Memorial presents a balanced mix of size, backcourt depth, and frontline presence for the upcoming campaign.
Watch: Lincoln Memorial v. West Texas A&M (3:45 PM)
Live stats: Lincoln Memorial v. West Texas A&M
Watch: Lincoln Memorial v Grand Valley State (7:00 PM)
Live stats: Lincoln Memorial v. Grand Valley State
Watch: Lincoln Memorial v. Northern Michigan (7:00 PM)
Live stats: Lincoln Memorial v. Northern Michigan
