Alabama’s men’s basketball team will travel to New York City next season for a neutral‑site contest that pits the Crimson Tide against Houston at the 2026 Jimmy V Classic, held inside the iconic Madison Square Garden.
A rivalry renewed
The Tide and the Cougars have met three times under head coach Nate Oats, with Alabama emerging victorious each time. The most recent encounter, an overtime thriller in the 2024‑25 Players Era Festival, capped a home‑and‑home sweep that began in the 2021‑22 season.
A challenging non‑conference slate
Oats has deliberately stacked Alabama’s non‑conference schedule, adding matchups against Seton Hall, St. John’s and Baylor to test his squad before SEC play. Each of those opponents brings a distinct style of play, promising a rigorous early‑season gauntlet.
What’s at stake
Beyond bragging rights, the contest offers both programs a chance to shape their NCAA tournament résumé. Houston, a program that has reached two Final Fours since 2021 and posted six straight Sweet 16 appearances, will look to reinforce its elite status, while Alabama aims to cement its return to the national conversation under Oats’ leadership.
The game will be televised on CBS Sports, giving fans nationwide a glimpse of a matchup that has generated considerable buzz among college basketball enthusiasts.