MOBILE, Ala. – South Alabama men's basketball has been designated as the first team in the field for the 2026 National Invitation Tournament, the NCAA announced Saturday.

The designation stems from an agreement between the NIT Board of Managers and South Alabama following the 2025 selection process that resulted in the Jags not being included in the NIT field. As part of the agreement, South Alabama was required to meet minimum regular-season performance benchmarks during the 2025-26 season.

The Jags surpassed those standards with a 21–10 regular-season record, including an 11–7 mark in Sun Belt Conference play, finishing tied for second in the league standings. 

The Jaguars will learn their opponent and game location when the NIT bracket is officially announced following Selection Sunday on March 15.

Quotable 

Head Coach Richie Riley 

"It's an honor for our team to be invited to play in the NIT. This group has battled adversity all season and is truly deserving of this opportunity. I'm thankful that I'm going to get to coach these guys for a little longer." 

FOLLOW THE JAGS

For complete coverage of South Alabama men's basketball, follow the Jaguars on social media at @SouthAlabamaMBB on X and Instagram, /SouthAlabamaJaguars on Facebook, or visit USAJaguars.com.