Alabama Basketball’s 2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule Revealed: Shocking Matchups You Won’t Believe

There’s something electric brewing in the air for Alabama basketball as the Crimson Tide gears up for the 2025-26 season. After enduring thirteen grueling non-conference battles that sharpened their teeth last year, Alabama showed us all what deep NCAA Tournament runs look like. And with Coach Nate Oats at the helm—never one to ease off the accelerator—the Tide’s upcoming schedule is shaping up to be a beast, aiming once again for the “best schedule in the country.” Throw Labaron Philon back into the lineup, commanding the backcourt, and you’ve got a recipe that’s more than just hopeful; it feels downright winnable. Starting off with a high-profile showdown at Madison Square Garden against St. John’s this November, followed by a rollercoaster of matchups in elite settings like the Players Era Festival and the C.M. Newton Classic, Alabama’s non-con slate is nothing short of a power-packed gauntlet. The team faces heavy hitters—Oregon, Baylor, Gonzaga, and more—plus intriguing encounters with programs tied to Oats’ coaching family tree, bringing fresh narratives and fierce competition. If you’re keeping score, expect plenty of drama, clutch shots, and the relentless hustle that embodies the Tide’s identity. Get ready, folks—this season promises to be one heck of a ride. LEARN MOREThirteen grueling games of non-conference play conditioned Alabama basketball for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament last season.Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats hasn’t let off the gas in crafting Alabama‘s 2025-26 non-con slate and has spent the offseason sharing that he plans on his team having the “best schedule in the country again.” Now that Labaron Philon is back in the driver’s seat for the Crimson Tide’s back court, it seems winnable.

Including the Players Era Festival, Alabama has six confirmed dates on the schedule, plus certain appearances in the SEC/ACC Challenge, and against North Dakota and Yale. There’s also been circulation of a potential matchup with South Florida, coached by former Crimson Tide assistant Bryan Hodgson.

As of now, Alabama’s schedule next season starts with a visit to Madison Square Garden to face St. John’s on Nov. 8. The two could even meet again depending on how things shake out at the Players Era Festival later in the month. Alabama walked away from Las Vegas as the runner-up to Oregon, which will be in attendance this year alongside Auburn, Baylor, Creighton, Gonzaga, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan, Notre Dame, Rutgers, San Diego State, St. Joes, Syracuse, Tennessee and UNLV.Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].

A look at Alabama basketball’s 2025-26 non-conference schedule

• 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. 7: vs. UTSA
• Dec. 13: vs. Arizona in C.M. Newton Classic
• SEC/ACC Challenge − no dates announced
• vs. North Dakota − date has yet to be confirmed
• vs. Yale − reported by Jon Rothstein, date has yet to be confirmed

Alabama’s latest addition to the schedule, as reported by Rocco Miller, will come against another member of Oats’ coaching tree, Austin Claunch, who led University of Texas-San Antonio to a 12-19 record in his first season at the helm last year.