Alabama Basketball Sets SEC/ACC Challenge Dates—Could This Be Their Breakout Moment?

Here’s the buzz that’s got folks chomping at the bit: Alabama basketball is locking horns with Clemson in the SEC/ACC Challenge, set to tip off on December 3rd at the iconic Coleman Coliseum. This isn’t just another game on the calendar—it’s the first rematch since Alabama’s memorable Final Four run in 2024 and a sequel to their nail-biting 2023 clash that Clemson narrowly clinched 85-77. Remember, Clemson’s 2025 season ended sooner than hoped, but the Tigers still boasted a sterling 27-7 record. Oh, and guess what? The ladies’ squad is gearing up to face Clemson too, the very next day. Stay tuned for tip-off times, as ESPN promises to drop those details soon. Trust me, with the way Alabama’s shaping their schedule—packed with brutal matchups against powerhouses like Purdue, Illinois, and Arizona—you’ll want to mark your calendars and buckle up for a wild ride next season. LEARN MOREStart times and programming will be announced at a later date, according to ESPN.Coleman Coliseum will be the venue for the teams’ first time meeting since Alabama punched its ticket to a historic Final Four in 2024. The game is also a rematch of the inaugural SEC/ACC Challenge in 2023, which Clemson won 85-77. In 2025, Clemson was bounced from the NCAA Tournament by McNeese State — a mid-major that Alabama took down 72-64 on its way to the Elite Eight — and finished the season 27-7 with an 18-2 record in league play.Here’s a look at the Crimson Tide’s non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 season as of now.

The date for Alabama basketball‘s meeting with Clemson in the SEC/ACC Challenge has been set.ESPN announced that the Crimson Tide and the Tigers will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Nate Oats working towards putting together country’s toughest schedule again for Alabama basketball

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].

• Nov. 8: at St. John’s in Madison Square Garden
• Nov. 13: vs. Purdue
• Nov. 19: vs. Illinois at United Center (Chicago)
• Nov. 26-30: Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, Nev.
• Dec. 3: vs. Clemson in SEC/ACC Challenge
• Dec. 7: vs. UTSA
• Dec. 13: vs. Arizona in C.M. Newton Classic
• Dec. 21: vs. Kennesaw State at Propst Arena in Huntsville
• vs. North Dakota − date has yet to be confirmed
• vs. Yale − reported by Jon Rothstein, date has yet to be confirmed
• vs. USF − date has yet to be confirmed

Clemson will also be the opponent for Alabama women’s basketball. The game is set for Thursday, Dec. 4 in Coleman.