UC Riverside’s Homecoming 2026 began with a big family breakfast and ended with the Highlanders men’s basketball team showing its opponent that UCR knows ball.
Reunions and connections
Held Saturday, Nov. 7, homecoming day launched with students reuniting with their families inside the Highlander Union Building, or HUB, for the Highlander Family Network breakfast, which drew over 300 families. Others celebrated chapter milestones at the Fraternity and Sorority Highlander Village, a gathering that took place on the HUB Patio. A total of 18 homecoming-related events, hosted by 50 campus partners, connected attendees with UCR’s latest programming and research.
Pre-party at the bell tower
Later in the afternoon, the celebration moved to the bell tower for the homecoming concert featuring headliner DJ Funk Flex alongside opening acts NPR Tiny Desk artists Jacquie and Figgy Baby, and UCR resident DJ and alum Alf Alpha (Rafael Lopez ’07). The free, open-to-all concert drew over 2,800 registrants, with more than 200 alumni checking in at the UCR Alumni Association booth for exclusive UCR-branded merch, which included hats, totes, and fans. Camp Highlander also hosted a kid zone that elevated the family-friendly vibe with lively activity booths.
Highlanders know ball
Homecoming festivities wrapped up inside the Student Recreation Center Arena as the Highlanders men’s basketball team faced off against the University of Denver Pioneers. Led by senior forward Tyus Parrish-Tillman, the Highlanders overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat the Pioneers 64-60. Cheering them on from the stands were Chancellor S. Jack Hu, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Brian Haynes, and other supporters. UCR’s Spirit Squad and Pep Band were also there, hyping up the players and fans. This was the first homecoming game since 2022, when the Highlanders defeated Los Angeles’ Occidental College Tigers 106-30.
Check out recap videos and the photo gallery below:
You can also check out our Homecoming 2026 recap on Instagram.
