Alabama Basketball to Clash with South Florida in Thrilling Series!

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA - Alabama men’s basketball is set to turn a new page as they finalize a three-year series with South Florida, beginning in the 2025-26 season. This matchup not only brings excitement for fans but also marks a special reunion for head coach Nate Oats with his former assistant, Bryan Hodgson, who now leads the USF Bulls. According to Tuscaloosa News, the first game will tip off on December 17, 2025, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, further solidifying Alabama’s competitive non-conference schedule for that season.

The series offers a unique opportunity to gauge Alabama’s progress against USF, as the two teams have faced each other twice before, with the record currently sitting at 1-1. The last encounter was in December 2014, when Alabama clinched victory with a strong performance led by Rodney Cooper, who scored 20 points. As reported by Sports Illustrated, the second game is set for December 2026 at USF’s Yuengling Center in Tampa, while the series will conclude in Coleman Coliseum in 2027.

Upcoming Non-Conference Schedule

Alabama’s journey through the 2025-26 season promises to be a thrilling one, filled with noteworthy matchups. The non-conference schedule includes intriguing games against several formidable opponents:

• October 16: vs. Florida State (Ballin‘ in Boutwell Exhibition)
• November 8: at St. John’s (Madison Square Garden)
• November 13: vs. Purdue
• November 19: vs. Illinois (United Center, Chicago)
• November 26-30: Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, NV
• December 2 or 3: vs. Clemson (SEC/ACC Challenge)
• December 7: vs. UTSA
• December 13: vs. Arizona (C.M. Newton Classic)
• December 17: vs. USF
• December 21: vs. Kennesaw State (Propst Arena, Huntsville)
• Additional games vs. North Dakota and Yale, dates yet to be confirmed.

Bridging Past and Future

This three-game series is just one aspect of a burgeoning narrative surrounding Alabama basketball. Coach Oats isn’t just focused on winning; he’s fostering relationships that run deep into the fabric of college basketball. Hodgson, who led Arkansas State last season, is one of five former assistants of Oats now coaching at various programs, demonstrating the strong coaching tree branching from Alabama’s head coach.

Looking ahead, Alabama is poised to maintain its strong presence not only in the SEC but also in the national conversation. With a recent track record that includes back-to-back Elite Eight appearances and a place in the Final Four, fans have every reason to be optimistic. As the Crimson Tide gears up for another competitive season, they’ll have home games against major teams like Arkansas, Auburn, and Kentucky, which promise to keep the energy high in Coleman Coliseum.

This upcoming season is seen as a pivotal moment, giving players and fans alike a lot to cheer about. Coach Oats is entering his seventh season, and the experiences gained in previous years will surely benefit the team as they embark on this exciting chapter against South Florida. Alabama basketball is not just a game; it’s a proud tradition that continues to grow and evolve.

To stay updated on the latest developments, be sure to check out more details from AL.com, where the full SEC opponents‘ schedule has also been laid out for the upcoming season.