If you’re staring at your calendar trying to figure out when is the tennessee alabama game, you’ve probably already realized that this isn’t just some random Saturday on the SEC schedule. People call it the Third Saturday in October for a reason. But here’s the thing: in the modern era of TV networks and "flex" scheduling, the date isn't always as straightforward as the nickname suggests.
For the 2026 season, the tradition holds firm. The Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide are set to clash on October 17, 2026.
The game is heading back to Knoxville this time. Neyland Stadium will be a sea of orange, and if history is any indication, the atmosphere will be absolutely feral. There’s just something about this specific rivalry—the smell of cigar smoke, the "Dixieland Delight" controversy, the sheer hatred between the fanbases—that makes it feel different than a standard conference game.
The 2026 Schedule Breakdown
The "Third Saturday in October" actually falls on the 17th this year. It’s funny how that works out. Sometimes the calendar shifts and the "third" Saturday is actually the fourth, but for 2026, the math stays clean.
You’ll want to keep the entire day clear. While the official kickoff time won't be set until we're much closer to the date—usually 6 to 12 days before—the SEC’s new television deal with ABC and ESPN means this is almost certainly a night game or a high-profile afternoon slot.
Back in 2025, the game was a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff in Tuscaloosa. Alabama took that one 37-20.
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But 2026 feels different. Playing at Neyland changes the math. Just ask anyone who was there in 2022 when the goalposts ended up in the Tennessee River. That energy doesn't just disappear; it sits and waits for the next time the Crimson Tide rolls into town.
Why the Date Matters for Your Travel Plans
If you're planning on going, honestly, start looking at hotels now. Knoxville isn't exactly a small town, but it swells to three times its size on game weekends.
The traffic on I-40 is basically a parking lot starting Friday afternoon. If you’re coming from out of state, try to arrive by Thursday night.
- Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Historical Context: This will be the 109th meeting between these two programs.
- Ticketing: Expect secondary market prices to be through the roof.
Don't wait until the week of to find a place to stay in Maryville or Oak Ridge because everything within 30 miles of the stadium will be booked solid or priced like a penthouse in Manhattan.
What People Miss About the "Third Saturday"
A lot of newer fans think the rivalry is one-sided because of the Saban era. They're wrong.
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Alabama leads the all-time series, but this thing goes in massive, decades-long waves. Before Alabama’s recent 15-game win streak, Tennessee had a stretch where they dominated. It’s a game of streaks.
There's also the cigar tradition. It’s one of the weirdest and coolest things in sports. Since the 1950s, the winning team lights up cigars in the locker room. In 2022, the fans joined in, and the entire stadium smelled like a tobacco shop.
Looking Back to Move Forward
To understand the stakes for when is the tennessee alabama game in 2026, you have to look at the 2025 result. Alabama won 37-20 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It was a game where Alabama's defense really flexed its muscles, keeping Joey Aguilar and the Vols' offense out of rhythm for most of the night.
Tennessee is going to be hungry for revenge. Coach Josh Heupel has made it clear that this game is a benchmark for the program. For Kalen DeBoer and Alabama, it’s about maintaining the standard that Nick Saban built.
The 2026 matchup represents a massive recruiting weekend, too. Half the top prospects in the Southeast will be on the sidelines.
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Actionable Tips for 2026 Game Day
If you're heading to the game, follow these rules to actually enjoy yourself:
- Download the App: Whether you're an Alabama fan or a Vol, get the official school app for digital tickets. Paper tickets are basically extinct at this point.
- Boat Check: If you have friends with a boat, try to get on the "Vol Navy." It’s a line of hundreds of boats docked on the Tennessee River right outside the stadium. It's the best tailgate in America, hands down.
- The Strip: Avoid "The Strip" (Cumberland Avenue) three hours before kickoff unless you enjoy being shoulder-to-shoulder with 50,000 screaming college students.
- Weather: October in East Tennessee is fickle. It could be 80 degrees at noon and 45 degrees by the fourth quarter. Layers are your best friend.
Basically, the 2026 edition of this rivalry is going to be a slugfest. With the expanded 12-team playoff now firmly in place, this game usually serves as an elimination match for the post-season. If you lose in mid-October, your margin for error for the rest of November basically hits zero.
Keep your eyes on the SEC's official schedule releases as we get into the summer of 2026. While the date of October 17 is locked in, the specific broadcast window—Early, Afternoon, or Night—will be "flexed" based on how both teams are performing. If both are Top 10, expect a primetime ABC slot.
Mark the calendar. Buy the cigars. Prepare for a long night on the river.