Alabama, North Dakota schedule series beginning in 2024 fueled by Grant Nelson's return

Alabama and North Dakota have agreed to a two-for-one series, the Fighting Hawks announced on Thursday. Grand Forks will host the first matchup, scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024. The two will then play in Tuscaloosa during the 2024-2025 and 2027-2028 seasons.

Usually, you do not see a power conference foe play a mid-major on the road. However, with Grant Nelson coming back to Alabama for another season, the first game taking place in Grand Forks gives him an opportunity to play in his home state at least one more time.

Nelson is originally from Devils Lake, ND, just under 90 miles and an hour and a half away from North Dakota’s campus.

“When Grant Nelson decided to go back to Alabama, Coach Stevens reached out immediately to see if they had interest in bringing Grant back to his home state for a game, and to Coach (Nate) Oats credit, they jumped on it,” North Dakota head coach Paul Sather said in a statement.

“Not often do you get a potential top-5 ranked team to come to Grand Forks! It should be an awesome environment and opportunity to compete against a great team on our home court.”

North Dakota State was where Nelson began his college career, spending three seasons in Fargo. He faced off against the in-state rival, North Dakota, seven times during his career. Nelson averaged 16.9 points in those games, including a 36-point performance during his junior season.

Having Alabama come to Grand Forks will be huge for Nelson but also the North Dakota program. There are a ton of expectations surrounding Oats’ program at the moment, currently No. 1 in On3’s way-too-early preseason rankings. Mark Sears returning for another season alongside Nelson has brought national championship aspirations to Tuscaloosa.

This is off the back of the school’s first-ever Final Four appearance. Oats bringing back key pieces while adding multiple contributors via the NCAA transfer portal and Alabama’s 2024 recruiting class.

As for North Dakota, they are entering their sixth year with Sather in charge. The 2023-2024 season was the best yet, having a winning record for the first time and finishing tied for second in the Summit League. Losing early in the conference tournament ended any chance of making the NCAA Tournament, though.

Now, the Fighting Hawks will have a chance to get a premier win during the nonconference portion of their schedule with Alabama coming to town.