Alabama’s men’s basketball team has locked in a home‑and‑home series with Seton Hall for the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 seasons, a deal that will see the Crimson Tide host the Pirates in Tuscaloosa before the two programs travel to New Jersey for the second meeting. The first contest is slated for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, while the second game will shift to Newark, New Jersey, though the exact date remains pending.
The series marks a reunion of two programs that have split their two all‑time meetings, each claiming a victory. The Tide’s 85‑79 win in Tuscaloosa on March 13, 2001 is balanced by the Pirates’ 83‑78 triumph in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Nov. 19, 2010.
Seton Hall entered the 2025‑26 campaign with a 21‑12 record and a 10‑10 mark in Big East play, a performance that earned coach Shaheen Holloway a unanimous Big East Coach of the Year honor. The Pirates’ resurgence under Holloway has been a focal point of the conference’s narrative.
Alabama, meanwhile, rode a Sweet 16 berth in the 2025‑26 NCAA Tournament after opening the season at No. 15 in the AP Top 25. The Tide’s run was anchored by a core that will see four seniors exhaust their eligibility, prompting a flurry of activity in the transfer portal.
The roster overhaul has already produced notable departures: Guard Labaron Philon Jr. and forward Amari Allen have declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, while Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Houston Mallette and Noah Williamson have exhausted their collegiate eligibility. In their place, Alabama has secured four transfers and will welcome three freshmen to Tuscaloosa this summer.
Looking Ahead to November 13, 2026
Among the newcomers are players such as Taylor Bol Bowen, Aiden Sherrell, Jalil Bethea, Davion Hannah and a host of other prospects listed in the program’s 2026‑27 roster. Coach Nate Oats has emphasized continuity, noting that up to five returners could still be on the roster when the season tips off.
The upcoming matchups will test both squads as they blend fresh talent with seasoned veterans. Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere in Tuscaloosa, followed by a road test in Newark that will likely influence early season rankings and conference standings.