Clemson set to face Ole Miss in upcoming Maui Invitational

· Yahoo Sports

One of the more anticipated nonconference games on Clemson’s basketball schedule now has an added storyline.

The Tigers will open the 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational against Ole Miss, setting up a meeting between two schools that have spent much of the past year at the center of one of college football’s biggest transfer controversies. The tournament will be played Nov. 23-25 at Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii.

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While the matchup comes on the hardwood instead of the football field, it won’t take long for fans to connect the dots. Since linebacker Luke Ferrelli reversed course after enrolling at Clemson and ultimately landed at Ole Miss during the winter transfer window, supporters of both programs have been waiting for any opportunity to see the schools compete.

The fallout from that decision created months of back-and-forth between the fan bases after Clemson alleged Ole Miss improperly recruited Ferrelli after he had already joined the Tigers. ESPN later reported the NCAA launched an investigation into the Rebels program following those allegations, adding another layer to an already heated situation.

Now the schools will finally meet in competition, even if it’s not the sport many had envisioned.

Clemson and Ole Miss have faced each other just twice in men’s basketball. The Tigers claimed an 89-68 win in the second round of the 2007 NIT before the Rebels answered with an 85-82 victory on a neutral court in Puerto Rico the following season.

Whether it’s viewed as just another early-season tournament game or something with a little extra emotion, this opening-round matchup in Maui is sure to grab plenty of attention from both fan bases.

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson set to face Ole Miss in upcoming Maui Invitational

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