The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) men’s basketball program has entered the 2026-27 season with national momentum, earning the No. 25 spot in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) preseason poll. According to UAH Chargers, the team secured 56 points in the voting process to break into the top 25, reflecting a trajectory established over the last two years under head coach Mick Hedgepeth.
This ranking isn’t a fluke of the ballot; it’s a reaction to a program in NCAA Division II. Hedgepeth has steered the Chargers to a 55-12 record in his first two seasons, turning the team into a postseason threat.
A foundation built on postseason success
The Chargers didn’t just stumble into the rankings. Last season, UAH posted a 23-10 overall record and a 15-7 mark in the GSC. They didn’t just play the games; they won the ones that mattered. The program progressed to the GSC championship semifinals and made a statement in the NCAA South Regional, dismantling No. 2 seed Palm Beach Atlantic 92-73 and taking down No. 3 West Alabama 83-74.
That run eventually ended in the South Region Championship against Nova Southeastern, who now enters this season as the No. 1 ranked team in the country. UAH has already proven they can beat high-seeded teams in the NCAA South Regional.
The roster depth is highlighted by sophomore Jordan Mabe, who earned a spot on the Preseason All-GSC Team. The program is also leaning on fresh talent to maintain its climb, with Jax Abernathy and Xavier Martinez named to the conference’s Newcomers to Watch list.
The road through the Gulf South Conference
While the national ranking provides prestige, the immediate battle is local. In the GSC coaches preseason poll, UAH was selected to finish second in the conference. They trail only West Alabama, who holds a higher national profile as the No. 10 team in the NABC poll.
The Chargers will have to face West Alabama twice in conference action—once at home on December 12 and again in Livingston on January 30.
The schedule offers a litmus test for the Chargers’ preseason hype. Beyond the West Alabama matchups, UAH will host the top-ranked Nova Southeastern on November 14. Facing the No. 1 team in the country will test UAH’s standing in the Division II hierarchy.
Opening night at SportsMED Arena
Before the heavyweight bouts arrive in November and December, the Chargers must handle the opening tip. The 2026-27 regular season begins November 9 against Harding. The game will be held at SportsMED Arena in Spragins Hall, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
A No. 25 ranking places the Chargers in the national preseason rankings. They are now the hunted.
| Key Matchup | Opponent Rank (NABC) | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season Opener | N/A | Nov. 9 | SportsMED Arena |
| The Rematch | No. 1 Nova Southeastern | Nov. 14 | Home |
| Conference Clash | No. 10 West Alabama | Dec. 12 | Home |
| Conference Clash | No. 10 West Alabama | Jan. 30 | Livingston |
The trajectory of the program under Hedgepeth follows a 55-12 record in his first two seasons.
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