If you’re refreshing your feed looking for the Alabama Georgia game time, you’ve likely realized that following these two teams isn't as simple as checking a calendar once a year. This isn't just a game; it's a moving target. Because these two programs have basically become the unofficial gatekeepers of the college football postseason, they often end up playing twice in a single season—once when it's scheduled and once when everything is on the line.
The most recent "clash of titans" went down on December 6, 2025, for the SEC Championship. It kicked off at 4:00 PM ET (3:00 PM local time in Tuscaloosa) and aired on ABC. If you were looking for that specific kickoff, you're looking at a Georgia victory that finally broke a bit of a curse for the Dawgs against the Tide. Georgia took that one 28-7, effectively securing their spot in the playoff and avenging a regular-season loss.
When do they play next?
Looking ahead is where things get interesting. The next scheduled regular-season meeting is set for October 10, 2026. While the specific kickoff time for 2026 hasn't been locked in by the networks yet—those usually drop about 12 days before the game—the historical pattern suggests a "Night Game" vibe.
Expect a 7:30 PM ET or 8:00 PM ET kickoff for a matchup of this magnitude.
The Chaos of the Alabama Georgia Game Time
Honestly, the "time" is only half the battle. The location is just as vital for your planning. In 2025, they played in Athens at Sanford Stadium in September (a 6:30 PM CT start) and then again at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the title.
People often get confused because there are technically "two" game times to track:
- The Scheduled Meeting: This is the one on the official SEC rotation.
- The "If-Necessary" Meeting: This is the SEC Championship or a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup.
Take 2025 as a prime example. Alabama actually beat Georgia in Athens earlier in the year (24-21), ending a massive home winning streak for the Bulldogs. But by the time the SEC Championship rolled around in December, the "game time" was a mid-afternoon slot that saw a completely different result.
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Why the 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM Slots Rule
Television networks like ABC and ESPN treat this rivalry like a holiday. If it’s a regular-season game in Tuscaloosa or Athens, they almost always aim for the 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM ET window to maximize "prime time" viewership. However, the SEC Championship Game has a long-standing tradition of a mid-afternoon start, usually 4:00 PM ET.
If you're planning a tailgate for the October 2026 game, you're likely safe betting on a late afternoon or evening start. Noon games for Bama-Georgia are incredibly rare because the "prestige factor" is too high for a breakfast-time kickoff.
What Really Happened in the Last Matchup
A lot of fans were surprised by the 2025 SEC Championship. Alabama had the momentum. They had already beaten Georgia once that year. Most experts, including those over at SEC Network and 247Sports, thought the Tide had the psychological edge.
But Kirby Smart’s defense turned the lights out.
The 28-7 scoreline doesn't even tell the whole story. Alabama's offense, which had looked explosive all year, simply couldn't find a rhythm in that 4:00 PM window. It serves as a reminder that when these two teams meet, "home-field advantage" matters less than who handles the pressure of the neutral site.
A Quick Look at Recent Times and Scores
To give you a sense of how the timing works for your travel or watch-party plans:
- Dec 6, 2025: 4:00 PM ET (Atlanta) - Georgia 28, Alabama 7
- Sept 27, 2025: 7:30 PM ET (Athens) - Alabama 24, Georgia 21
- Sept 28, 2024: 7:30 PM ET (Tuscaloosa) - Alabama 41, Georgia 34
- Dec 2, 2023: 4:00 PM ET (Atlanta) - Alabama 27, Georgia 24
Notice a pattern? Championship games are in the afternoon. Regular season "Marquee" games are at night.
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Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you are trying to catch the next one, here is exactly what you need to do so you don't miss the Alabama Georgia game time announcement.
First, mark October 10, 2026, in your calendar. That’s the hard date. Second, wait for the "Monday Reveal." The SEC usually announces kickoff times two Mondays before the game (the 12-day window). For the October 10 game, expect the official time to be released around September 28, 2026.
Keep an eye on the SEC on ABC schedule. Since the conference moved its primary rights away from CBS, the 3:30 PM ET window (formerly the "CBS Game of the Week") is now flexible, but the biggest games are still gravitating toward that night-cap slot.
Finally, if you're booking a hotel in Tuscaloosa for 2026, do it now. Like, right now. Even without a confirmed time, the town will be at 100% capacity the moment the schedule is finalized.
Don't wait for the official kickoff time to be set to make your moves. By the time the "7:30 PM" alert hits your phone in late September, the prices will have tripled.