Alabama is back in Coleman Coliseum on Friday night looking to build on a strong opening win, and Arkansas State is the next team in the way.
The Crimson Tide handled Sam Houston earlier this week, rolling to a 96-74 victory at home to start the 2026-27 season. London Jemison and Drew Fielder each scored 15 points, and Alabama had four players finish in double figures. That performance helped keep the Tide in the national conversation as well, with Alabama sitting at No. 18 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Arkansas State arrives with a win of its own. The Red Wolves opened their season Monday night by edging Toledo 71-70 at home. Tameron Ferguson led the way with 20 points, while Jordan Pyke came close to a double-double off the bench.
This matchup also brings a familiar face back into the picture. Alabama has played Arkansas State twice in recent years, including in 2024 when Bryan Hodgson was the Red Wolves’ head coach.
Arkansas State is now led by Ryan Pannone, another former Alabama assistant under Nate Oats, and he is in his second season with the program. Pannone guided the Red Wolves to a 20-12 record last season, including an 11-7 mark in Sun Belt play.
As for the numbers, Alabama enters as a heavy favorite again. FanDuel listed the Crimson Tide as the clear side in the betting market Thursday, Nov. 5.
Prediction: Alabama 96, Arkansas State 73. The Tide should have enough firepower to control this one from the start and turn it into another comfortable home win, with a margin that could land around 20 points or more.
Friday’s game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It will air on SEC Network+, with streaming available on ESPN+.
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