The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team will face the Alabama Crimson Tide in a high-profile neutral-site series starting Dec. 21, 2026, at the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The two-year agreement brings an SEC powerhouse to central Iowa, giving head coach Ben McCollum's squad an early test against one of college basketball's most formidable programs.
What is the Iowa vs Alabama basketball schedule?
The first matchup is set for Sunday, Dec. 21, 2026, at the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The series will then shift south for a return game in Mobile, Alabama, during the 2027-28 season. The Hawkeyes and Crimson Tide have rarely crossed paths on the hardwood, meeting only twice before. Both previous games took place at the Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands, with Alabama winning 72-60 in 2006 and Iowa answering with a 55-47 victory in 2010.
Why is this matchup significant for Iowa?
This series represents a major opportunity for the Hawkeyes to prove their mettle on a national stage. Iowa exceeded expectations last season under McCollum, compiling a 24-13 record and making a surprising run to the Elite Eight. The Hawkeyes knocked off several highly regarded programs during that tournament journey, establishing themselves as one of the biggest success stories of the season.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats has built a reputation for refusing to pad his schedule with easy wins. By adding Iowa to the slate, Oats is acknowledging the Hawkeyes as a legitimate, high-quality opponent. For Iowa, this is a chance to show the rest of the country that last season's success was not a fluke, but the foundation of a tough, competitive program.
How does this game impact Des Moines and central Iowa?
Hosting a program of Alabama's caliber is a clear win for the local economy and the community. The matchup will draw passionate fan bases from both the Big Ten and the SEC to downtown Des Moines. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants can expect a significant boost during a busy holiday travel season. The event also reinforces the Casey's Center as a premier venue capable of hosting top-tier national sporting events.
What does Alabama's nonconference schedule look like?
Alabama is widely recognized as one of the most aggressive scheduling programs in the country. The Crimson Tide consistently seek out challenging opponents to prepare their roster for the rigors of SEC play and the NCAA Tournament. In addition to the Iowa series, Alabama is scheduled to face Baylor in the Players Era Championships in Las Vegas, with potential matchups against Gonzaga, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Iowa State, and Oregon. The Tide will also travel to Miami for the ACC/SEC Challenge, face St. John's in Birmingham, and take on Houston in the Jimmy V Classic.
Have Iowa and Alabama played in basketball before?
Yes, the Hawkeyes and the Crimson Tide have met twice. Alabama won the first meeting 72-60 in 2006, and Iowa won the second meeting 55-47 in 2010. Both games occurred at the Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands.
Where will the first Iowa vs Alabama game be played?
The first game of the two-year series will be played at the Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 21, 2026.