Ole Miss basketball preview: Breaking down the schedule

Ole Miss men's basketball is returning to the court for the 2026-2027 season after a disappointing 15-20 overall record last year. Head coach Chris Beard has completely rebuilt the roster, with only Ilias Kamardine, Patton Pinkins, and Zach Day returning from last season. This article breaks down the 2026-2027 Ole Miss basketball schedule, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities the team will face.

The non-conference schedule begins with two exhibition games against Alabama (October 15) and UAB (October 27) in Birmingham and Oxford, respectively. Following these games, the Rebels will participate in the First Four on November 2 against Alcorn State, followed by a series of games against Central Arkansas, Southeastern Louisiana, and Nicholls. These early season games will provide Coach Beard with an opportunity to fine-tune his lineup and starting five.

The Thanksgiving week highlights a trip to Maui for the Maui Invitational, which is not typically considered one of the more prestigious tournaments. However, it could serve as a morale booster for the team and boost the team's NET ranking if they perform well. After the holiday, the team will face a seven-game stretch filled with travel and varying levels of difficulty, including a trip to Virginia Tech, William & Mary, ULM, Youngstown St., NC State, Southern Miss, and Jackson St. This period is crucial for the team to build chemistry and establish their identity.

The season concludes with the SEC/ACC Challenge in Virginia Tech, followed by seven SEC games, including matchups against Kentucky, Mississippi State, Auburn, Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Auburn, Missouri, LSU, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Florida. The SEC conference schedule poses significant challenges, with Ole Miss facing Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Auburn twice and playing home games against Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Tennessee.

Away games include the more difficult matchups against Alabama, Auburn, Missouri, LSU, Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi State, and a trip to Oklahoma.