A New Chapter for Alabama Basketball
Alabama’s men’s basketball team will welcome Samford to its 2026‑27 slate, marking the first clash between the Crimson Tide and the Bulldogs since 2010. The showdown is slated for Coleman Coliseum, the historic home of Alabama basketball, and promises a fresh chapter in a rivalry that has been dormant for over a decade.
Samford arrives in Tuscaloosa after a solid 18‑14 campaign in the 2025‑26 season, a performance overseen by head coach Lennie Acuff. Acuff’s stewardship has injected a new energy into the program, and his experience will be a key factor as the Bulldogs prepare to test themselves against a perennial powerhouse.
The non‑conference schedule for Alabama reads like a travelogue, featuring matchups against Sam Houston, Seton Hall, Kennesaw State, Baylor, Gonzaga/Kansas State, Miami, St. John’s, Iowa and Houston. Each game offers a distinct challenge, but the Samford contest stands out for its regional significance and the narrative of a revived rivalry.
The last meeting between the two squads ended in a 79‑60 victory for Alabama in Tuscaloosa, a result that underscored the Tide’s dominance but also hinted at the competitive spark that can reignite when the Bulldogs return. This time, the Bulldogs hope to flip the script and give their fans a memorable upset.
Looking Ahead
Fans can expect a lively atmosphere at Coleman Coliseum, where the roar of the crowd will echo the excitement of a new era. With both programs eager to make an early statement, the game could set the tone for the remainder of the season and perhaps signal a shift in the balance of power within the state’s college basketball landscape.