If you’re scrambling to figure out what time does tn play saturday, you aren't alone. It’s a massive week for the Vols. After that heartbreaker against Kentucky at Food City Center, Rick Barnes and his squad are heading deep into enemy territory.
Tennessee plays Alabama at 8:30 PM ET on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The game is happening at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. It’s a late one. You’ve got plenty of time to get your snacks ready or find a spot at the bar, but maybe brew some extra coffee if you’re prone to nodding off during the late-night SEC slates.
Where to Watch the Vols This Saturday
Honestly, the SEC TV schedule is a bit of a maze this year. For this specific matchup, you’re looking at ESPN or ESPN2. The network usually clarifies the exact channel about 48 hours before tip-off, but they’ve locked in that 8:30 PM ET (7:30 PM local time in Tuscaloosa) window.
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If you’re stuck in the car or just prefer the legendary Vol Network broadcast, Mike Keith and Chris Lofton will be on the air. There’s something about hearing "Money!" on a Lofton broadcast that just hits different, especially when the Vols are playing in a hostile environment like Bama.
The Stakes for Tennessee
This isn't just another game. Tennessee is coming off an 80-78 loss to Kentucky where they blew a 17-point lead. That hurts. Ja’Kobi Gillespie was a monster in that game with 24 points, but the team's late-game execution was, well, kinda messy.
Alabama is always a problem under Nate Oats. They play fast. Like, really fast. If the Vols don't get back in transition, it could be a long night in Alabama. Tennessee currently sits at 12-6 (2-3 SEC), and they desperately need a "quad 1" win to steady the ship before the February grind starts.
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Why the 8:30 PM Start Time Matters
Late starts change the energy. The Coleman Coliseum crowd is going to be rowdy, likely fueled by a full day of "tailgating" (if you can call it that for basketball).
- Recovery time: Tennessee has a full week off before this game. That’s huge for tired legs.
- The Atmosphere: Night games in the SEC are notoriously louder.
- TV Draw: ESPN knows this rivalry draws eyeballs. That's why they've buried it in the primetime slot.
Don't expect a defensive masterpiece. While Tennessee prides itself on being "the most physical team in the country," Alabama usually tries to turn these games into a track meet.
Breaking Down the Matchup
Tennessee’s defense is usually their calling card. Felix Okpara has been a presence in the paint, but he’ll have his hands full with Alabama’s floor-spacing bigs. If Tennessee can’t guard the three-point line, that 8:30 PM start time will feel like a very late funeral for the Vols' SEC title hopes.
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Keep an eye on Nat Ament. The freshman has been a bright spot, putting up 17 against Kentucky. He doesn't play like a kid. He plays like someone who’s been in the league for three years.
Practical Steps for Gameday
If you’re planning on watching, here is what you actually need to do:
- Sync your apps: Check the ESPN app around 6:00 PM Saturday to see if the game has been moved to ESPN or ESPN2 specifically.
- Radio Backup: If the TV broadcast lags (which it always does), the Vol Network stream via the UT Athletics app is usually more reliable for real-time reactions.
- Check the Standings: Watch the early SEC games on Saturday. If Kentucky or Florida lose their afternoon matchups, the door opens wide for Tennessee to climb back into the top four of the conference.
Tennessee has shown they can beat anyone when they’re hitting shots. They've also shown they can let leads slip away like sand through their fingers. Saturday night in Tuscaloosa will tell us exactly who this team really is.