BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The fourth annual SEC/ACC Challenge matchups are set, as Ole Miss women’s basketball will host NC State in the SJB Pavilion on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026, the conference announced on Friday.
The two programs will meet for the sixth time in school history and second on Ole Miss’ home court. The Rebels will be on the hunt for revenge, as the last time they faced the Wolfpack was just two years ago in the 2024 SEC/ACC Challenge, when NC State notched a narrow 68-61 victory in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In last year’s challenge, Ole Miss survived a 19-point deficit, to tie its largest comeback in program history, defeating No. 18/19 Notre Dame, 69-62, at the SJB Pavilion. Later that season, the Fighting Irish advanced all the way to the Elite Eight at the NCAA Tournament.
NC State is coming off another successful season, securing a 21-11 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament for the ninth straight season. The Wolfpack is led by head coach Wes Moore, who is approaching his 14th season at NC State. Moore returns Khamil Pierre and Zoe Brooks, each earning WBCA All-America Honorable Mention and All-ACC First Team selections last season.
Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin is returning for year nine in Oxford, coming off Ole Miss’ fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. For the first time in program history, the Rebels’ had two picks in the WNBA draft, while additionally a fourth of the team ended up in a WNBA camp.
Ten newcomers will join the Rebels, as McPhee-McCuin has been recognized as bringing in the No. 3 transfer portal class, according to ESPN and USA TODAY, as well as the No. 4 class by On3.com. The class is highlighted by All-SEC honoree Talaysia Cooper, who was recognized as the fourth best transfer in the portal this off season. She will be joined by Jada Richard, who was touted as one of the top 15 student-athletes available out of the portal.