Alabama is coming off a 28-9 season with three NCAA Tournament wins before falling to Duke in the Elite Eight.
Now, the Crimson Tide are gearing up for a new campaign, and their non-conference slate will provide plenty of early challenges to prepare them for the SEC grind and another potential March Madness run. Here’s a look at Alabama’s non-conference schedule for the 2025–26 season:
Monday, November 3 vs. North Dakota
Alabama tips off its season at home in front of the Coleman Coliseum crowd. North Dakota provides a manageable opener before the schedule quickly ramps up in difficulty.
Saturday, November 8 at St. John’s
Things get serious right away with a trip to Queens. This marks just the fifth all-time meeting between these programs and the first since 1982. Expect an intense environment and an early test for Alabama’s backcourt.
Thursday, November 13 vs. Purdue
Matt Painter’s Boilermakers might be the best team in the nation, and they’re coming to Tuscaloosa. Purdue brings elite guard play, size, and discipline — everything that makes them a nightmare matchup. The Boilermakers beat Alabama 87–78 last November and have won seven of the ten all-time meetings.
Wednesday, November 19 vs. Illinois (Chicago)
Another Big Ten battle follows as Alabama meets Illinois in Chicago. The Illini will have a strong home-state presence in the crowd. Alabama scored 100 points in a 13-point win over Illinois last season and has now won four straight in the series.
Monday, November 24 vs. Gonzaga (Las Vegas)
Alabama heads to Las Vegas to take on Mark Few’s Gonzaga Bulldogs in a marquee early-season matchup. The Tide and Zags last met in 2022 when Gonzaga won 100–90 in a high-scoring affair.
Tuesday, November 25 vs. UNLV (Las Vegas)
The Tide stay in Vegas to face the hometown Rebels. While considered a neutral-site game, UNLV should have the crowd advantage. The only prior meeting between these teams came in 2020, when Alabama won by 15.
Wednesday, December 3 vs. Clemson
The SEC meets the ACC as Alabama hosts Clemson in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide beat the Tigers 89–82 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. This will be the 14th meeting between the programs.
A bit of a breather for the Tide, as they welcome UTSA to town before heading into the final stretch of non-conference play.
Saturday, December 13 vs. Arizona (Birmingham)
A mid-December clash with Arizona in Birmingham should be one of the highlights of the schedule. The Wildcats’ up-tempo style will test Alabama’s defense. Arizona won the last matchup in 2023, while the Crimson Tide lead the all-time series 3–2.
Wednesday, December 17 vs. South Florida
South Florida visits with a new head coach and renewed energy. This could be a trap game for Alabama before the holiday break.
Sunday, December 21 vs. Kennesaw State (Huntsville)
Another neutral-site game, this one in Huntsville, against a Kennesaw State team eager to make a statement. Expect a good crowd as the Tide look to close out the month strong.
Monday, December 29 vs. Yale
Alabama wraps up non-conference play against Ivy League foe Yale. The Bulldogs are always disciplined and will provide a final tune-up before SEC play begins.
Crimson Tide fans are in for a treat this winter. With one of the toughest and most entertaining non-conference schedules in the country, Alabama will be tested early and often. How they navigate this gauntlet will reveal just how ready Nate Oats’ squad is for a deep run in March.