Ole Miss’ SEC schedule release highlights 6 marquee matchups

While most fans are in football mode, the college basketball season continues to creep closer. There is a ton of buzz in Oxford surrounding the program that Chris Beard is building and the roster that he has constructed for the 2025-26 season. The team is now fully intact, as the international transfer from France, Ilias Kamardine, has been fully cleared and arrived in Oxford. The team is also entering its last week of summer workouts before taking a short break.

This week, the SEC announced the conference schedule for the upcoming season. The Rebels will open league shortly after the new year by traveling to Norman, Oklahoma, for the first time to take on the Sooners on Saturday, Jan. 3. The first SEC game in the Pavilion will be on Tuesday, Jan. 6 against Coach Cal and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Cal has put together an incredible, impressive roster and this will be a major test early.

With the investment level across the league and how deep the conference is, almost every SEC matchup is notable, but there are a few games that stick out more than others.

Ranking 6 games that could define Ole Miss’ 2025-26 SEC basketball season

1. Auburn - Tuesday, Jan. 20

Bruce Pearl and the Tigers are one of the top programs in the SEC. While they haven't reached the top yet, Pearl has consistently put together really quality teams. The Rebels played them close a couple of times last season, but haven't been able to get over the hump. This is a marker game to see where this team is at.

2. Florida - Saturday, Feb. 21

The defending national champions are coming to Oxford. There is a good argument to move this to the first spot. Todd Golden reloaded that roster in the portal, and they will have a really solid squad once again. This game also takes place on a Saturday, meaning the Pavilion will be completely packed. This game should have the best home-court atmosphere of the season.

3. @ Kentucky - Saturday, Jan. 24

Mark Pope is entering Year 2 and looking to build upon a solid first season. Kentucky is the blue blood program of the SEC, and a trip to Rupp Arena is always a fun time and a good challenge. This will also be a homecoming for current Rebel and former Wildcat Travis Perry.

4. @ Tennessee - Tuesday, Feb. 3

Tennessee, under coach Rick Barnes, has been one of the better programs in the SEC over the last several years. A road trip to Knoxville will be a big challenge. Last year, the Rebels got the better of the Vols on senior night in what was a memorable moment. This will be the only meeting between the two teams this season.

5. Alabama - Tuesday, Feb. 10

Last season, one of the top moments was going into T-Town and taking down the Crimson Tide. This year, Alabama will be traveling to Oxford for one matchup, and this is one of the biggest home games on the calendar.

6. Mississippi State series

I'll lump two games together here. The Egg Bowl on the hardcourt is always a fun time. There seems to be a good budding rivalry between Beard and Chris Jans. Last season, the Rebels went 0-2 against the Bulldogs, leaving a sour taste in everyone's mouth. The game in Starkville will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, and the Pavilion will be rocking on Saturday, Feb. 14 for the return game.