If you’re scrambling to find the time Alabama game today, you aren’t alone. Between the weirdness of Saturday TV slots and the fact that we're smack in the middle of a brutal SEC grind, keeping track of tip-off times is basically a full-time job.
The Alabama Crimson Tide is heading into Norman today, January 17, 2026, to face the Oklahoma Sooners. It’s a classic road test. The Lloyd Noble Center isn't exactly a friendly place to be when you're wearing crimson and white, and let's be real—the Sooners have a way of making life miserable for top-tier SEC teams when they're playing at home.
The Actual Tip-Off Time
Basically, you need to be on your couch or at the sports bar by 12:00 p.m. CT.
For those of you on the East Coast, that’s a 1:00 p.m. ET start. It’s a bit of an early one, so maybe skip the second round of brunch. The game is being broadcast on SEC Network, so make sure your login for the ESPN app hasn't expired since the last time you used it.
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If you're more of a radio person or stuck in the car, you've got the Crimson Tide Sports Network. Chris Stewart usually has the call, and honestly, listening to the radio broadcast is sometimes better than the TV commentary anyway.
Why This Oklahoma Game Matters
This isn't just another January game. Alabama is coming off a bit of a rollercoaster. They had that solid win against Kentucky earlier this month but then dropped a tough one to Texas. Consistency is the name of the game right now.
Oklahoma is currently a bit of a wildcard in the conference standings. They aren't the top seed, but they play a physical style of basketball that can really muck up Alabama’s fast-paced, "rim and three" offense. If the Tide can't find their rhythm early, this 12:00 p.m. start could turn into a long afternoon.
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The betting lines have Bama as a 5.5-point favorite, which feels about right. The over/under is sitting around 172.5. That tells you the oddsmakers expect a lot of points. Alabama likes to run, and if Oklahoma decides to trade buckets, it's going to be a track meet.
Key Matchups to Watch
Keep an eye on Labaron Philon Jr. He's been the engine for this team lately. When he’s aggressive and getting to the paint, the whole floor opens up for the shooters. If Oklahoma puts a lockdown defender on him, someone else—maybe Grant Nelson if he's feeling it—has to step up.
Defensively, Bama has to stop the dribble penetration. Oklahoma thrives on those kick-out threes. If the Tide gets lazy on their rotations, the Norman crowd is going to get loud, and we've seen how that ends.
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Getting Your Setup Ready
Since it's a noon kick (or tip, rather), you've got to move fast. Here is what you actually need to do to make sure you don't miss the first whistle:
- Check the SEC Network: If you have YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Fubo, double-check that you actually have the SEC Network in your package. Sometimes it gets shuffled around into "sports tiers."
- Sync the Audio: If you prefer the radio call over the TV announcers, use the Varsity Network app. You might have to pause your TV for a few seconds to get the audio to line up perfectly.
- Monitor Injuries: Keep an eye on the pre-game warmups. There have been some lingering "day-to-day" issues with the bench depth, and in a road game like this, you need every body you can get.
- The North Alabama Confusion: Don't get confused if you see "North Alabama" on the scroll. The UNA Lions are playing Jacksonville today at 2:00 p.m. CT. Different team, different game. Make sure you're tuned into the Crimson Tide in Norman.
The SEC is a meat grinder this year. Every road win is like gold. If Alabama can walk out of Oklahoma with a "W," they’ll be in a great spot heading back home to Tuscaloosa for the Tennessee game next week.
Set your alarms, grab your coffee (or something stronger), and get ready. The time Alabama game today is locked in for noon. Roll Tide.