Iowa’s men’s basketball program has locked in a high‑profile neutral‑site contest that will see the Hawkeyes travel to face Alabama on Dec. 21, 2026, inside Casey’s Center in Des Moines.
A series reborn after a decade
The upcoming meeting marks the third all‑time clash between the two schools and the first since 2010, reviving a rivalry that previously unfolded on neutral ground in the St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Both programs have been on upward trajectories. Under head coach Ben McCollum, the Hawkeyes finished the previous season with a 2‑0 record against SEC opponents, capping the run with a victory over Ole Miss in the Acrisure Classic and a Sweet 16 berth after defeating Florida in the NCAA tournament.
The Dec. 21 game will serve as Iowa’s second appearance at Casey’s Center during the 2026‑27 campaign, following an earlier showdown against Creighton on Nov. 15. Iowa plans an 18‑game home slate that also includes contests with Iowa State and Creighton.
What’s at stake
The matchup pits a Hawkeye squad that has already tasted success against a Crimson Tide team that remains a perennial contender in the SEC. Fans on both sides anticipate a competitive game that could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
The second leg of the series is slated for the 2027‑28 season in Mobile, Alabama, ensuring that the two schools will meet again next year, further cementing the non‑conference partnership.