Alabama Basketball Announces 2026‑27 Nonconference slate
Alabama’s men’s basketball program has locked in its 2026‑27 nonconference slate, adding Samford as the twelfth opponent and rounding out a schedule that blends home‑court showdowns with high‑profile road trips.
The Crimson Tide will open the season with a home matchup against Sam Houston, followed by contests against Seton Hall and Kennesaw State at Coleman Coliseum, before traveling to Miami for the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 2.
A highlight of the schedule is the C.M. Newton Classic in Birmingham’s Legacy Arena, where Alabama will meet St. John’s on Dec. 12, a game that adds a historic rivalry with Samford to the mix.
During Thanksgiving week, the Tide will head to Las Vegas to take part in the Players Era Festival, where they are slated to face Baylor and either Gonzaga or Kansas State in a neutral‑site showcase.
Later in the season, Alabama will make a return trip to South Florida, with the date still to be announced, while also hosting a series of home games that will test the depth of the roster.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The series history with Samford favors Alabama, which holds an 8‑1 edge, the most recent meeting dating back to Dec. 18, 2019, when the Tide prevailed 105‑87. Coach Nate Oats and his staff have emphasized the importance of nonconference play as a proving ground, and the added matchups provide opportunities for experimentation and momentum building ahead of SEC competition.