The Rebels' men's basketball program will open its 2026 preseason schedule with a much‑anticipated exhibition game against the Crimson Tide, scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 15, at Birmingham's historic Boutwell Auditorium.
A Recent Rivalry Sparks New Excitement
Just months ago, Ole Miss edged Alabama 80‑79 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 SEC Tournament, a thriller that left both coaches and fans buzzing. The memory of that narrow victory adds a layer of narrative intrigue to the upcoming clash, as the Rebels look to build on that momentum.
Head coach Chris Beard, who took the helm of the program earlier this year, expressed genuine enthusiasm about the matchup. "Playing Alabama in an exhibition gives us a chance to test our chemistry and fine‑tune the pieces we’ll rely on when the regular season begins," Beard said in a pre‑game interview.
Tickets and Ticket Renewals on the Horizon
Fans eager to witness the Rebels in action can secure tickets through the official venue website, www.ballininboutwell.com. The site offers a range of seating options, ensuring that supporters of all budgets can experience the game live. In addition, season ticket renewals for the 2026‑27 campaign will open on July 1, providing existing ticket holders the first opportunity to lock in their seats for the upcoming schedule.
Beyond the immediate contest, the exhibition serves as a vital preparation tool for Ole Miss as it fine‑tunes strategies and integrates new talent ahead of a demanding regular season. The game against Alabama will be broadcast locally, giving viewers across the state a chance to follow the team's progress as it looks to translate preseason optimism into on‑court success.