Alabama’s men’s basketball program will open its 2026‑27 home schedule on November 17, 2026, when it welcomes Kennesaw State to the Tuscaloosa arena. The matchup marks a return to the court for a team that finished the previous season with a 92‑81 win over the Owls on December 21, 2025, a game that highlighted the Tide’s depth and offensive firepower.
A Reunion with a Former Assistant
Kennesaw State is guided by head coach Antoine Pettway, a longtime assistant at Alabama who served under Nate Oats for four seasons before taking the Owls’ reins. Pettway’s tenure at Alabama spanned from 2008 through the 2022‑23 campaign, during which he helped shape the program’s modern identity.
Oats has spoken openly about his support for former assistants who have moved into head‑coaching roles, citing Pettway as a prime example of the developmental pipeline he values. The endorsement underscores a broader philosophy that the Tide’s success is built on mentorship as much as on talent.
A Non‑Conference Schedule Packed with Challenges
Beyond the Kennesaw State opener, Alabama’s 2026‑27 non‑conference slate includes high‑profile opponents such as Baylor, Miami and Iowa, as well as matchups against Sam Houston and Seton Hall. The Crimson Tide will also travel to face Houston in the Jimmy V Classic, though the exact date remains undetermined, while a second leg of a home‑and‑home series at South Florida is similarly awaiting a schedule slot.
The upcoming season offers a blend of familiar rivalries and fresh tests, positioning Alabama to gauge its growth under Oats while honoring the coaches and assistants who have contributed to its recent rise.