Ole Miss Basketball to Open 2026-27 Season at Home
The Rebels will host Alcorn State on November 2 as part of a four-game opening stretch to test new roster combinations.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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The Ole Miss basketball team prepares to launch its 2026-27 season on November 2, 2026, against Alcorn State with a heavily revamped roster. After a losing 2025-26 campaign, the team is integrating several high-scoring transfers and freshmen to address previous offensive struggles.
Why it matters
Following a season where the team struggled to find rhythm, finishing 15th in SEC scoring, the coaching staff is using the opening four home games to experiment with lineups. These early contests serve as a vital transition period for a squad that was predicted to finish 14th in the 16-team conference.
Ole Miss averaged 75.9 points per game last season with a .332 3-point shooting percentage. New additions include Corey Stephenson, who arrives with an 18-point scoring average, and Budd Clark, who averaged 12 points at Seton Hall.
The players
Ole Miss
The University of Mississippi's athletic program competes in the Southeastern Conference.
Patton Pinkins
A returning guard for the Rebels known for his 42 percent shooting accuracy from 3-point range.
Ilias Kamardine
A returning defensive contributor who helped force 64 steals during the previous season.
Budd Clark
A transfer athlete from Seton Hall joining the Rebels with a previous 12-point scoring average.
Corey Stephenson
A high-impact transfer forward who joins the team after maintaining an 18-point scoring average.
The details
The Rebels underwent a significant offseason overhaul, losing key players like AJ Storr, Malik Dia, and Travis Perry. Returning contributors include Patton Pinkins, who shot 42 percent from beyond the arc, and Ilias Kamardine, as the pair look to build on their combined 64 steals from last year.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Ole Miss home opener against Alcorn State.
December 22, 2026: Neutral site game against Southern Mississippi in Biloxi.
December 29, 2026: Neutral site game against North Carolina State in Jackson.
January 2, 2027: SEC schedule opener at home against Georgia.
March 6, 2027: SEC schedule concludes at Mississippi State.
Season Trajectory
The team aims to prove the preseason rankings wrong by utilizing a transfer-heavy roster to climb out of the bottom tier of the SEC. Success in these early non-conference matchups is critical to establishing a competitive rotation before facing league rivals.
The coaching staff will be evaluating how transfer additions like Corey Stephenson and Budd Clark fit into the rotation during the four-game home stand. Fans can track whether the team improves upon its previous 3-point efficiency of .332 as these new players gain experience.
The takeaway
The upcoming stretch of games provides a crucial proving ground for a team seeking to move past a difficult previous year. By prioritizing early home stability, the Rebels have a platform to refine their new lineup before the intensity of conference play begins in January.
Further reading
For more on local basketball developments, visit the Basketball page.
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