The University of Alabama has released the framework for its 2026‑27 men’s basketball schedule, a plan that blends a full slate of SEC contests with a carefully curated non‑conference lineup designed to test the team early and broaden its national footprint.
Home SEC battles at Coleman Coliseum
Alabama will enjoy a series of home games at Coleman Coliseum against traditional SEC rivals, including Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. The schedule promises a packed house and a chance for the Tide to build momentum before heading into conference play.
One of the most anticipated matchups is a double‑header against Arkansas, with the Razorbacks visiting Tuscaloosa twice during the regular season. The series adds a regional rivalry flavor and provides a early barometer for both programs.
A Des Moines showdown with Iowa
The Crimson Tide will travel to Des Moines for the first leg of a two‑game series against the Iowa Hawkeyes on December 21. The return game is slated for Mobile, Alabama, in the 2027‑28 season, creating a home‑and‑home arrangement that underscores the growing non‑conference partnership between the two schools.
Alabama is also slated to compete in the Jimmy V Classic, facing the University of Houston at Madison Square Garden in New York. The event, traditionally held in early December, will showcase the Tide on a national stage and add another marquee opponent to the schedule.
Additional non‑conference challenges
Beyond the highlighted series, Alabama’s non‑conference slate includes contests against Sam Houston, Seton Hall, Baylor and potentially Gonzaga or Kansas State. The season opener is set for November 2 against Sam Houston, giving the team an early chance to fine‑tune its identity before SEC play begins.
Athletic director Greg Byrne, speaking through CBS Sports, emphasized that the schedule was crafted to balance competitive rigor with opportunities for growth, ensuring that the Crimson Tide are well‑prepared for the demands of conference play while maintaining a national presence.