If you’re waking up today asking what time Alabama play Saturday, I’ve got some news that’s gonna sting a little bit if you didn't catch the Rose Bowl. Honestly, there isn't a game. The Tide is officially done for the year.
Usually, January is when Tuscaloosa starts vibrating with that playoff energy, but after the 38-3 beatdown from Indiana on New Year’s Day, Kalen DeBoer’s squad is heading back to the drawing board earlier than anyone expected. It’s weird, right? We’re so used to seeing Bama deep in the bracket, but the 2025-26 season hit a brick wall in Pasadena.
Why the Alabama Football Schedule is Empty Right Now
Basically, the Crimson Tide was eliminated from the College Football Playoff in the Quarterfinal round. They came in as the No. 9 seed and actually looked decent after taking down Oklahoma in the first round, but the Rose Bowl was a different story. Indiana—yeah, the Hoosiers, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza—absolutely dismantled the Tide.
So, if you’re looking for a kickoff time this Saturday, January 17, 2026, you’re mostly going to find NFL playoff action instead.
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- The Rose Bowl Result: Alabama lost 3-38 to Indiana.
- Season Record: The Tide finished 11-4 overall.
- Current Status: Players are either hitting the portal, declaring for the NFL Draft, or starting winter conditioning.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Usually, "what time Alabama play Saturday" is a search for a channel and a wings order, but today it's a reminder of a season that fell just short of the semifinals.
What’s Actually On TV This Saturday?
Since there’s no Bama game, the sports world is pivoting hard to the NFL Divisional Round. If you still need your football fix, you've got some heavy hitters playing today.
Buffalo is heading to Denver to take on the Broncos at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. Later tonight, the San Francisco 49ers are playing the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET on FOX. It’s not the Tide, but it's high-stakes football.
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Also, keep an eye on the College Football Playoff National Championship. That happens Monday, January 19, between Miami and Indiana. If you want to see the team that knocked Bama out try to finish the job, that’s the game to watch.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Alabama Football Schedule
You’re probably already thinking about next year. I get it. The 2026 schedule is already out, and it looks like a gauntlet. If you want to put it on your calendar now, here’s how the start of the 2026 season shapes up:
September 5, 2026: East Carolina at Alabama (Season Opener)
September 12, 2026: Alabama at Kentucky
September 19, 2026: Florida State at Alabama
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That Florida State game in Week 3 is going to be massive. After the way this season ended, the pressure on DeBoer is going to be through the roof from day one.
Actionable Steps for Bama Fans
- Check the Portal: The transfer portal is wide open right now. Keep an eye on RollTide.com or local beat writers to see who’s coming and going.
- NFL Draft Declarations: Watch for news on guys like Ty Simpson and Ryan Williams. Their decisions will define the 2026 roster.
- Re-watch the Oklahoma Game: If you need a feel-good moment to wash out the Indiana loss, that 34-24 win in the CFP First Round was arguably the peak of the season.
The Tide will be back, but for this Saturday, the stadium lights in Tuscaloosa are staying off.