Alabama basketball will face Houston in the 2026 Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden, renewing a rivalry that has seesawed over the past decade and currently favors the Crimson Tide with a 4‑3 all‑time series lead.
Head coach Nate Oats has bested Houston’s Kelvin Sampson in each of their last three meetings, adding a personal storyline to the upcoming clash.
Houston arrived at the event with a 30‑7 record last season, finishing 14‑4 in the Big 12, while both programs were eliminated in the Sweet 16 of the 2025‑26 NCAA Tournament.
Alabama’s roster will look markedly different next year; four players have entered the transfer portal, but the team will welcome three freshmen and see Amari Allen, who withdrew from the NBA Draft, anchor the lineup.
The 2026‑27 schedule also features matchups against Seton Hall and Baylor, a spot in the SEC/ACC Challenge, and a home‑and‑home series with South Florida.
A New Era for the Crimson Tide
Coach Oats is betting on the chemistry of returning veterans and the energy of newcomers, aiming to translate early‑season momentum into a deep tournament run.
Fans can expect a blend of up‑tempo offense and disciplined defense as the Tide looks to extend its recent dominance over the Cougars.