You’re looking for the Tide. We get it. Whether you are checking the spread or just trying to plan your Saturday around a TV schedule, the question of who does bama play this weekend usually has a straightforward answer.
But this weekend? It’s a little bit different than the usual fall routine.
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Since we are currently sitting in mid-January 2026, the roar of Bryant-Denny Stadium has quieted down for the winter. The football pads are in storage. The basketball sneakers, however, are squeaking loudly on the hardwood. If you were looking for a football game, you just missed the boat—Alabama's playoff run ended a few weeks back in the Rose Bowl against Indiana.
Honestly, the action right now is all about Nate Oats and the hoops squad. They just finished a massive road trip, and if you’re looking for a game right this second, you might notice a gap in the calendar.
Who Does Bama Play This Weekend? The Short Answer
Alabama just played Oklahoma yesterday, Saturday, January 17, 2026. They don't play today, Sunday.
It was a nail-biter in Norman. Bama walked away with a massive 83-81 win. Labaron Philon and Aiden Sherrell basically put the team on their backs in the second half to pull off a comeback. If you were hoping to find a game to watch this afternoon, you’re out of luck. The team is heading back to Tuscaloosa to catch their breath.
Why isn't there a game today?
College basketball is a grind, but it isn't the NFL. They don't typically play back-to-back days unless it's a mid-season tournament like the Maui Invitational. After the battle in Oklahoma, the Tide has earned a few days off.
The Football Hangover: What Happened to the Playoff Run?
A lot of fans asking who does bama play this weekend are actually looking for football. It’s understandable. In the old days, the season was over by now. With the expanded 12-team playoff, things stretch way into January.
Here is the reality: Alabama’s football season is officially over.
They had a hell of a run under Kalen DeBoer this year. They took down Oklahoma (again, weird coincidence with the basketball schedule) in the first round of the playoffs back in December. But the journey stopped on New Year's Day. Indiana—yes, the Hoosiers, who are having a historic season—put a stop to the Tide's title hopes with a 38-3 win in the Rose Bowl.
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So, while the National Championship game is actually happening tomorrow (Monday, Jan 19) between Miami and Indiana, Alabama will be watching from the couch like the rest of us.
Looking Ahead: When is the next Alabama game?
If you're bummed about the empty Sunday schedule, don't worry. The SEC gauntlet is just getting started for the basketball team.
- Next Opponent: Tennessee Volunteers
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa
- Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. CT
- TV: ESPN or ESPN2
This is going to be a massive game. Tennessee is currently ranked in the Top 25, and Coleman Coliseum is going to be absolutely rocking. After winning two straight road games, Bama is coming home with a lot of momentum.
Making Sense of the 2026 Schedule
It feels like the sports world never stops. Between the football recruiting trail and the mid-season basketball rankings, keeping track of who does bama play this weekend can feel like a full-time job.
If you are a football-only fan, mark September 5, 2026, on your calendar. That's when the Tide kicks off the next season against East Carolina. It sounds far away, but spring practice will be here before you know it.
For the hoop heads, the win against Oklahoma yesterday was a "quad 1" win that the selection committee is going to love in March. Labaron Philon is proving he can handle the pressure of the SEC, and watching him develop is the best reason to keep tuning in.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Standings: Alabama is currently sitting near the top of the SEC basketball rankings after that Oklahoma win. Check the updated AP Poll tomorrow to see how far they climb.
- Clear Next Saturday: The Tennessee game on Jan 24 is arguably the biggest home game of the month. Get your tickets now or make sure the grill is ready by 7:30 p.m.
- Watch the Title Game: Even though Bama isn't in it, watching Indiana vs. Miami tomorrow night will give you a good look at the team that knocked the Tide out of the playoffs.
The weekend might be winding down with no Tide action today, but the win in Norman yesterday should keep the "Roll Tide" chants going until next Saturday.