If you woke up this morning, grabbed your lucky crimson hoodie, and started googling what time is alabama football game on today, I have some news that’s gonna feel like a missed block on fourth-and-one.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is not playing today, January 17, 2026.
I know, it feels weird. Usually, mid-January is when the stakes are highest. But this year, the Tide's run ended a bit earlier than we’re all used to. After that tough 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl back on New Year’s Day, the pads have been packed away. While teams like Miami and Indiana are currently prepping for the National Championship on Monday, the Tide is already looking toward the 2026 fall season.
Alabama Football: The Post-Rose Bowl Reality
Honestly, the search for the game time today probably stems from the fact that Alabama is always in the mix this late in the month. But the 12-team playoff format changed the rhythm of the season.
We saw Alabama take down Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round (a night game in Norman that felt like a classic), but the quarterfinal in Pasadena was a different story. Indiana basically ran the Tide out of the stadium. It was one of those games where nothing clicked—drops, missed assignments, and an offense that couldn't find its gear.
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So, if you’re looking for "Alabama" on your TV guide today, you’re going to find a different kind of ball.
What is actually on TV today?
While the football team is in off-season mode, the Alabama men’s basketball team is very much active. If that's what you're actually looking for, here's the deal:
- Matchup: No. 18 Alabama vs. Oklahoma
- Time: 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. CT)
- Channel: SEC Network
- Location: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, OK
It’s a huge SEC showdown. Nate Oats has the guys playing fast, but they’re coming off some shaky performances. If you need your Bama fix, this is where you'll get it today.
Why Everyone Is Searching for the Game Time
It’s a habit. For nearly two decades, January meant Alabama football was a permanent fixture on our Saturdays and Mondays. Even with Kalen DeBoer taking the reins, the expectation hasn't shifted.
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People are also seeing "Alabama vs. Oklahoma" headlines today and thinking it's a football rematch. Because Oklahoma is now in the SEC, these two schools are seeing a lot of each other. It's easy to get the sports mixed up when the news cycle is moving this fast.
Then there's the transfer portal. The "game" right now isn't on the field; it's in the NIL offices. You might have seen the wild rumors about Ty Simpson being offered $6.5 million to stay in college before he ultimately decided to head to the NFL Draft. That kind of news keeps the "Alabama football" keyword trending even when there isn't a kickoff in sight.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since you're clearly itching for some football, let's talk about when the real "what time is alabama football game on today" searches will actually matter again. The 2026 schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet.
The season starts on September 5, 2026, against East Carolina.
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But the real meat of the schedule?
- Sept 19: Florida State comes to Tuscaloosa. That’s going to be an electric atmosphere.
- Oct 10: Georgia. Need I say more?
- Nov 28: The Iron Bowl against Auburn.
Basically, we have about seven and a half months of waiting.
The Current State of the Roster
If you're bummed about today, focus on the recruiting wins. Alabama just pulled in some massive talent during the early signing period in December. The secondary is actually returning all four starters for the 2026 season, which is basically unheard of in the modern era.
The quarterback battle is going to be the story of the spring. With Ty Simpson gone, it's looking like a toss-up between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack. J.D. PicKell and other analysts are already calling it the most watched position battle in the country.
So, while there is no game today, the program is far from quiet. The "season" never really ends in Tuscaloosa; it just moves from the turf to the meeting rooms.
Actionable Next Steps for Tide Fans
Instead of looking for a kickoff time that doesn't exist today, here is how you can actually follow the Tide this weekend:
- Tune into the SEC Network at 1 p.m. ET to watch the basketball team take on Oklahoma. It’s a Top 20 matchup and vital for tournament seeding.
- Check the latest Transfer Portal updates. Wide receiver Noah Rogers (transfer from NC State) is officially on campus, and he’s expected to be a WR1 candidate for the 2026 season.
- Mark your calendars for the A-Day Game. While the exact date is usually finalized in February, it typically falls in mid-April. That will be your first chance to see the new-look offense under the 2026 roster.