The Alabama Crimson Tide are set to begin the 2026‑27 men’s basketball campaign on Monday, November 2, 2026, when they host the Sam Houston Bearkats at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.
Season Opener
The matchup marks the second meeting between the two programs; the first encounter came on December 27, 1997, when Alabama defeated Sam Houston 77‑58.
Under head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide have been nearly flawless in season openers, posting a 6‑1 record; the only loss occurred in his debut season against Penn.
Notable Matchups
Alabama will test itself against the Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables as part of the 2026 ACC/SEC Challenge, then welcome Seton Hall on November 13 back in Tuscaloosa, and later face Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm in the C.M. Newton Classic in Birmingham on December 12.
The schedule also includes a return to Madison Square Garden to meet the Houston Cougars, a trip to South Florida, and participation in the Player’s Era Festival in Las Vegas for the third straight year.
A Look Back at Recent Success
The Crimson Tide closed the previous campaign with a 25‑10 overall record and a 13‑5 mark in SEC play, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season and the fifth time in six years; they finished the year ranked No. 16 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Sam Houston, meanwhile, finished last season 22‑12 overall and 13‑7 in Conference USA, earning an NIT berth before bowing out to New Mexico.