Alabama Basketball Schedules Matchup with In-State Program

Alabama basketball will host Samford during the 2026-27 season, per Rocco Miller. The official date for the game is unknown at this time.

The Crimson Tide is 8-1 all-time against the Bulldogs, with the first-ever matchup occurring on Dec. 18, 1963. This will be the first meeting between these two in-state programs since Dec. 19, 2019. It was Nate Oats' inaugural season as Alabama's head coach, and the Tide won the game 105-87 in Birmingham.

John Petty Jr. erupted for 39 points while shooting 10 of 13 from deep! He also led UA in rebounds with 10 and also swiped two steals, putting together what is still considered one of the best individual performances of the Oats era.

Alex Reese (16 points), Jaden Shackelford (13) and Kira Lewis Jr. (11) also finished in double figures. Herbert Jones just missed the cut with nine points, however, he tallied seven rebounds and seven assists.

Samford finished last season 18-14, including an 11-7 record against the Southern Conference. Despite earning the 3-seed in the SoCon Tournament, the Bulldogs lost their first matchup 86-81 against 6-seed Furman.

It was Lennie Acuff's first season as Samford's head coach, and after a solid season, he's ready for Year 2. Acuff took over for Bucky McMillan, who is currently the head coach for Texas A&M.

The Crimson Tide met its expectations last season. It started the season ranked No. 15 in the AP Top 25 and entered March Madness at the same spot.

After reaching the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament, Alabama lost four players to the transfer portal: forwards Taylor Bol Bowen and Aiden Sherrell, plus guards Jalil Bethea and Davion Hannah. Additionally, guard Labaron Philon Jr. was selected No. 22 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, while Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Houston Mallette and Noah Williamson exhausted their collegiate eligibility.

That said, Amari Allen withdrew his name from the NBA Draft on May 27's deadline, as he's expected to lead the 2026-27 team. The Crimson Tide gained four players from the transfer portal could have five returners from this past season. This is on top of the four freshmen coming to Tuscaloosa this summer, including Anderson Diaz, who reclassified from the 2027 class on Tuesday.

Alabama's 2026-27 nonconference schedule is nearing completion, as there is a maximum of one more slot to fill.

Alabama's 2026-27 Schedule as of July 8

Nov. 6: vs. Sam Houston
Nov. 13: vs. Seton Hall
Nov. 17: vs. Kennesaw State
Nov. 24: vs. Baylor at Players Era Championships in Las Vegas
Nov. 26: vs. winner of Gonzaga/Kansas State at Players Era
Nov. 27: vs. winner of Michigan/Creighton/Miami/TCU at Players Era (if Alabama wins prior matchups)
Nov. 28: Players Era Championship vs. winner of Tennessee/Maryland/Iowa State/San Diego State/St. John's/Oregon/Louisville/Texas Tech (if Alabama contends)
Dec. 2: at Miami in ACC/SEC Challenge
Dec. 12: vs. St. John’s in Birmingham
Dec. 21: vs. Iowa in Des Moines, Iowa

In addition to Samford, the date for Alabama's matchup against Houston in the Jimmy V Classic is also unknown at this time and the same is said for the Tide's second part of a home-and-home series at South Florida.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Threads and Blue Sky for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google