A historic rivalry returns
Alabama basketball will host Samford during the 2026‑27 season, though the exact date has not yet been announced. The Crimson Tide hold an 8‑1 all‑time edge over the Bulldogs, a record that includes a 105‑87 victory in Birmingham on December 19, 2019, when Nate Oats was in his first year as head coach.
That meeting marked the most recent chapter in a series that began on December 18, 1963, and the upcoming clash will add another layer to a rivalry that has consistently favored Alabama.
Beyond the Samford matchup, the Tide’s schedule is packed with marquee games. They open the year against Sam Houston, Seton Hall, and Kennesaw State before traveling to face Baylor, Gonzaga, and Iowa in contests that will test their depth early in the campaign.
In November, Alabama will head to Las Vegas to compete in the Players Era Championships, a showcase event that brings together some of the nation’s top teams. The following month, they will take part in the ACC/SEC Challenge, opening with a road game at Miami on December 2, 2026.
Looking ahead
Later in December, the Tide will host St. John’s in Birmingham on December 12, then head to Des Moines to meet Iowa on December 21. A neutral‑site appearance in the Jimmy V Classic against Houston is also slated, though the date remains pending.
The schedule also features a home‑and‑home series with South Florida, with the second leg’s date still unknown, and additional games against Creighton, Maryland, Texas Tech, and a host of other programs that promise a demanding but exciting season.
Coach Nate Oats, now in his third season, will rely on a blend of experienced veterans and fresh talent to navigate a demanding road map that includes trips to the West Coast, the Midwest, and the East Coast.
Fans can expect a high‑tempo style of play that emphasizes spacing, three‑point shooting, and aggressive defense, all hallmarks of Oats’ system.