If you woke up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and started frantically scrolling through your TV guide looking for Kalen DeBoer’s squad, you might be feeling a little lost. It's that weird time of year. The regular season is long gone, the bowls have mostly settled, and the NFL is currently hogging the Sunday spotlight with the Divisional Playoffs.
Honestly, if you're asking what network is alabama football on today, the answer is a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation. The football team isn't playing a game today.
The Crimson Tide’s 2025-26 football season actually hit its finish line back on New Year’s Day. They fought hard in the Rose Bowl against a powerhouse Indiana team, but that 56-22 loss ended the playoff run. Right now, the guys are likely in the weight room or focusing on classes while the coaching staff hits the recruiting trail hard for the February signing period.
The 2026 Reality: No Football Today
It feels wrong, doesn't it? A Sunday in January without Bama? But today is strictly for the pros. If you turn on ESPN or ABC at 3:00 PM ET, you’ll see the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots. Later tonight, NBC and Peacock are carrying the Rams and the Bears.
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College football basically goes into a coma this time of year, except for the National Championship. Speaking of which, that’s happening tomorrow, Monday, January 19. It’ll be Miami against Indiana. Even though Alabama isn't in it, most Tide fans will be watching on ESPN just to see how the season finally wraps up.
Where is the Tide Today? (Other Sports)
Now, just because there isn't a football game doesn't mean the "Crimson Tide" brand is invisible today. If you just need that Alabama fix, the women's basketball team actually had a huge matchup this morning. They played the Tennessee Lady Vols at 11:00 AM.
That game was broadcast on the SEC Network. Unfortunately, it wasn't the result Tuscaloosa wanted, with Tennessee taking it 70-59.
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If you're looking for the men's basketball team, they aren't on today either. They just came off a big 97-82 win against Mississippi State a few days ago. You've gotta wait a bit longer to see them back on the hardwood.
Looking Ahead: What Network is Alabama Football on Today... in the Future?
I know, you're probably already thinking about September. We all are. The 2026 schedule is already locked in, and it's going to be a gauntlet.
Basically, the "Big Three" networks will still be your best friends. Since the SEC has that massive deal with Disney, almost every major Bama game is going to live on ABC, ESPN, or the SEC Network.
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- The Opener: Alabama starts the 2026 season on September 5 against East Carolina. Since it’s a home game at Bryant-Denny, expect this to be an afternoon slot on ABC or a night cap on ESPN.
- The Big Ones: When Georgia rolls into town on October 10, or when the Tide travels to Knoxville on October 17, you can bet your house those will be "SEC on ABC" primetime windows.
- The Iron Bowl: November 28. It’s always at the end of the month, and it’s almost always on ABC now.
How to Watch if You Don't Have Cable
If you've cut the cord by 2026, you're probably used to the dance of the streaming apps. You don't need a 2-year contract with a satellite provider to catch the Tide anymore.
Most people are using FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV. These services carry ABC, ESPN, and the SEC Network. If the game is on ABC, you can sometimes get away with a cheap digital antenna if you live close enough to a city.
One thing to watch out for: ESPN+. Sometimes the smaller non-conference games (like that Chattanooga game on November 21) get "flexed" to streaming only. It’s annoying, but it’s the way the world works now.
Actionable Steps for Alabama Fans Today
Since there's no game to watch this afternoon, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 season:
- Check the National Championship tomorrow: Tune into ESPN at 7:30 PM ET on Monday, Jan 19. It's the last taste of college ball we get for months.
- Download the Varsity Network App: This is the best way to listen to Eli Gold (or the current radio crew) if you’re driving and can’t get to a TV.
- Update your Calendar: Mark down September 5, 2026. That’s the next time you’ll truly need to know what channel the football team is on.
- Watch the NFL Playoffs: If you miss seeing Bama players, look for former Tide stars like C.J. Stroud (well, he's Ohio State, but you get the point) or the dozens of Bama alumni currently playing for the Texans, Eagles, and Rams.
The wait for the 2026 season opener is roughly 230 days away. It feels like an eternity, but spring ball will be here before you know it. Keep your remote handy and your SEC Network subscription active.