The Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers have become one of the most exciting rivalries, not just in college football, but college basketball as well.

Fans in the state of both programs are going to get a chance to see a sneak peek at the two squads this year, according to a very exciting update. The two in-state rivals are adding an October exhibition game in Birmingham to the schedule on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Alabama vs. Auburn in October. pic.twitter.com/SouhNUSpmS

— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 26, 2026

The rivalry starts early this season🔥😈

📰: https://t.co/fWiRLD1CrD pic.twitter.com/jw6KNKe2Hw

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) August 26, 2026

The game will be known as ‘The Feud Presented by Shipt Same Day Delivery’ and is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 p.m. CST at Legacy Arena. According to the announcement, the 18,000-seat arena will be divided exactly in half for a more unique atmosphere of Tide and Tiger fans.

“Our goal in scheduling exhibition games is to play quality opponents to test ourselves before the season official begins,” Auburn head coach Steven Pearl said. “Playing a team like Alabama provides us an incredible opportunity to accomplish that goal, while obviously giving our fans, our state and the entire basketball world a unique opportunity to see two rivals face off at a neutral site. The entire nation will be watching, and we are excited to represent Auburn University in what will be an unprecedented exhibition event.”

The preseason game means that the two programs will face off at least three times this season, with regular season matchups scheduled for January 30 in Tuscaloosa and the final game of the regular season in Auburn on March 6.

If both teams are as strong as they hope, perhaps they could meet in the postseason as well.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.