The 2026 Alabama football schedule has been officially announced, providing fans with a clear view of the upcoming season under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide will face nine SEC opponents and three nonconference foes, promising an exciting and challenging year ahead. The official 2026 Football schedule for the Alabama Crimson Tide was released on Thursday, December 11, 2025, offering fans a comprehensive look at what to expect in the upcoming season.
Kicking off the season on September 5, 2026, the Crimson Tide will welcome the East Carolina Pirates to Bryant-Denny Stadium. This nonconference matchup is expected to set the tone for the rest of the season, as the Tide aims to start strong and build momentum for their SEC games.
The SEC schedule for 2026 features a new nine-game format, which includes some early conference openers and tougher matchups. Alabama will face off against some of the toughest teams in the conference, including the LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, and Texas Longhorns, among others. These games will be crucial in determining the team's standing in the SEC and their chances for a playoff spot.
The Crimson Tide will also face several SEC West rivals, including the Auburn Tigers and Mississippi State Bulldogs, both of which will be fierce competitions. The home-and-away series will be crucial for the Tide to prove their dominance in the division and secure their spot at the top. This year will also see the return of the Texas Longhorns game, a game that has long been a highlight of the Alabama football season.
In addition to the SEC games, Alabama will also face nonconference opponents who have a proven track record in college football. The Tide will host Eastern Carolina on September 5, 2026, and will also face off against the Texas Longhorns and Ole Miss Rebels in nonconference play.
Fans can expect to see a mix of home and away games, with five road games and seven home games scheduled for the Crimson Tide. The home games will provide an opportunity for fans to cheer on their team in the familiar surroundings of Bryant-Denny Stadium, while the road games will test the team's resilience and ability to perform away from home.
Mark your calendars, Alabama fans, as the 2026 football schedule is set to be an exciting and challenging year for the Crimson Tide. With a mix of nonconference and SEC games, the Tide will have to bring their best to secure a spot in the playoffs and continue their legacy of excellence.
