Honestly, if you're asking who is bama playing today, you’ve probably got that itch for a high-stakes matchup that only the SEC can provide. Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026, and while the football pads are tucked away for the winter, the intensity hasn't dipped a single degree.
The Alabama Crimson Tide women’s basketball team is heading into enemy territory tonight. They’re taking on the Auburn Tigers. Yes, we’ve got a mid-January Iron Bowl on our hands. It's a massive night for Kristy Curry’s squad, and if you follow Bama hoops, you know these road trips to the Plains are never just "another game."
The game tips off at 8:00 PM CT. You can catch the broadcast on the SEC Network.
Why the Alabama vs. Auburn matchup matters right now
This isn't just a rivalry game for the sake of history. Alabama enters tonight with a head-turning 17-1 record. They've climbed to No. 21 in the nation, and they’re looking like a team that could make a serious run in March. Auburn, sitting at 12-6, is desperate for a "quad one" win to bolster their own resume.
Neville Arena is going to be loud. It's basically a pressure cooker for visiting teams.
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Bama’s success this year has been built on a balanced attack. We're talking about a group that doesn't rely on one superstar to bail them out. Sarah Ashlee Barker has been the heart of this team for a while, but the depth is what makes them dangerous. If one player has an off night, someone like Aaliyah Nye is usually there to start raining threes from the wing.
Breaking down the matchup
Auburn plays a physical, scrappy style of defense. They want to turn you over. They want the game to be ugly. Alabama, on the other hand, wants to exploit their shooting advantages.
- Alabama’s Key: Limiting turnovers against Auburn’s press.
- Auburn’s Key: Controlling the paint and keeping Bama off the free-throw line.
- The X-Factor: The crowd. In a rivalry game, momentum can flip on a single transition layup.
What about the men's team?
If you were looking for Nate Oats and the boys, you have a couple more days to wait. The men’s team is fresh off a big 97-82 bounce-back win against Mississippi State in Starkville. That was a big deal because they had just dropped two straight games to Vanderbilt and Texas.
They don't play today. Their next challenge is a road game against Oklahoma on Saturday, January 17.
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The men’s squad is currently navigating a weird stretch. They’ve shown they can score 100 on basically anyone, but the defensive consistency has been... well, let's just say "inconsistent." Watching them play is sort of like a heart rate monitor—lots of highs and lows.
Other Crimson Tide action today
Believe it or not, basketball isn't the only thing happening in the world of Bama sports today.
- Women’s Tennis: They actually have a triple-header of sorts. They’re hosting North Alabama, Jackson State, and Arkansas State in Tuscaloosa. It's the "Opening Weekend" for them, and it’s a great chance to see some high-level tennis for free if you're near the Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility.
- Men’s Tennis: They just announced four new signings today, so the program is definitely in a building phase.
The bigger picture in Tuscaloosa
It’s a strange time for Alabama fans. We’re in that "post-Saban" era in football, and every bit of news feels like it’s under a microscope. Just this morning, news broke that linebacker Yhonzae Pierre is returning for the 2026 season. That’s a massive win for Kalen DeBoer’s defense.
And did you see the Hall of Fame news? Mark Ingram was officially elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. It’s wild to think he was the first Heisman winner in school history, and now he’s getting that "immortal" status.
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But back to the immediate question: who is bama playing today?
It’s the women’s basketball team. It’s Auburn. It’s a rivalry.
If you're planning on watching, make sure your SEC Network login is working. These games usually come down to the final four minutes, and with Alabama's current ranking, they have a target on their backs. Auburn would love nothing more than to ruin Bama's 17-1 start.
Your Game Night Checklist:
- Time: 8:00 PM CT
- Channel: SEC Network
- Location: Neville Arena, Auburn, AL
- What to watch for: Alabama's ability to handle the Auburn pressure in the first five minutes. If they settle in early, they should walk away with a win. If they start throwing the ball away, it’s going to be a long night on the Plains.
Check your local listings for any last-minute scheduling shifts, but as of right now, all signs point to a classic SEC showdown. Get the popcorn ready.