So, you’re looking for the kickoff time, right? You probably woke up, grabbed your coffee, and started wondering what time does the alabama football game come on today because, honestly, a Saturday without Bama just feels... wrong.
Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you're looking for Kalen DeBoer's squad to take the field this afternoon, January 17, 2026, you can put the pom-poms away. The Alabama football season is officially over.
Why isn't Alabama playing today?
Basically, the Crimson Tide’s 2025-26 campaign hit a wall on New Year's Day. If you missed it, Alabama got a tough draw against the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl (which doubled as a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal). It wasn't pretty. Indiana dominated with a 38-3 win, sending Bama back to Tuscaloosa earlier than anyone in the SEC hoped.
Since that loss in Pasadena, the focus has shifted entirely to the transfer portal, recruiting, and the 2026 season schedule.
Wait, I see "Alabama" on the schedule today?
If you're looking at your TV guide and seeing "Alabama" listed for today, January 17, you’re likely seeing the Alabama men’s basketball team. Nate Oats has the No. 18 Crimson Tide on the hardwood, not the gridiron.
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Here is the actual "game time" for today’s Tide action:
- Sport: Men's College Basketball
- Matchup: No. 18 Alabama vs. Oklahoma
- Tip-off Time: 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT)
- Channel: SEC Network
- Location: Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, OK
It’s an away game against the Sooners, and while it’s not football, it’s still SEC competition. If you absolutely need a "Roll Tide" fix today, that’s where you’re going to find it.
What time does the Alabama football game come on today? Looking at the 2026 return
Since the football team is currently in the "grind in silence" phase of the offseason, fans are already circle-marking dates for the fall. The 2026 schedule is actually looking pretty wild because the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference slate.
If you are trying to plan your life around what time does the alabama football game come on today once the season actually starts, here is the roadmap for the 2026 season opener and beyond.
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The Crimson Tide officially returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against East Carolina. While the specific "kickoff time" for that opener hasn't been set by the networks yet, it’s usually a midday or late afternoon slot on ESPN or the SEC Network.
The 2026 Alabama Football Schedule
- Sept. 5: vs. East Carolina (Tuscaloosa)
- Sept. 12: at Kentucky (Lexington) — This is the earliest Bama has played an SEC game since 2007.
- Sept. 19: vs. Florida State (Tuscaloosa) — Huge non-conference revenge game opportunity.
- Sept. 26: vs. South Carolina (Tuscaloosa)
- Oct. 3: at Mississippi State (Starkville)
- Oct. 10: vs. Georgia (Tuscaloosa) — The one everyone already has tickets for.
- Oct. 17: at Tennessee (Knoxville)
- Oct. 24: vs. Texas A&M (Tuscaloosa)
- Nov. 7: at LSU (Baton Rouge)
- Nov. 14: at Vanderbilt (Nashville)
- Nov. 21: vs. Chattanooga (Tuscaloosa)
- Nov. 28: vs. Auburn (Iron Bowl - Tuscaloosa)
Dealing with the "Post-Rose Bowl" hangover
It’s been a weird month for Bama fans. That 38-3 loss to Indiana was a reality check for the second year of the DeBoer era. Critics like Nick Shepkowski over at Sports Illustrated have been pretty vocal about the Tide "having no business" in the playoffs this year, especially after struggling with rushing yards—averaging less than 80 yards on the ground in several late-season games.
Honestly, the "football game" happening today is really happening in the meeting rooms and on the recruiting trail. Kalen DeBoer is currently hunting for offensive line help in the transfer portal. With Kam Dewberry out of eligibility and the run game finishing in the bottom 15 nationally, the "offseason game" is arguably more important than whatever would have been on the field today.
What should fans do now?
If you're still asking what time does the alabama football game come on today, the short answer is: it doesn't. But you aren't totally out of luck.
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First, flip over to the SEC Network at 1 p.m. ET to catch Labaron Philon and the basketball squad take on Oklahoma. They just came off a 97-82 win over Mississippi State and they’re playing fast.
Second, if you're a die-hard, you should be watching the "portal" news. The spring window is when the 2026 roster actually gets built. Keep an eye on names like Jordan Seaton; the rumors about his portal price are astronomical, but Bama needs tackles if they want to avoid another Rose Bowl disaster.
Lastly, mark your calendars for the A-Day Spring Game. We don't have the exact April 2026 date yet, but that will be the first time you can actually see the football team back in pads.
The 2025 season is in the rearview. It’s basketball season in T-Town now.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Tune in to SEC Network at 1:00 PM ET today to watch Alabama Basketball vs. Oklahoma.
- Check the 247Sports Transfer Portal tracker for updates on offensive line commits, which is the team's biggest priority this month.
- Bookmark the official 2026 schedule on RollTide.com to prepare for the September 5th kickoff against East Carolina.