So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. You’ve got the chips ready, the jersey is on, and you’re wondering exactly what time does Alabama play football today?
Well, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a bummer if you were planning on a Saturday-style marathon. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you look at the schedule, the Alabama Crimson Tide isn’t actually playing a game today.
I know, it feels weird. Usually, this time of year is peak "Roll Tide" season. But here’s the deal: Alabama’s 2025-2026 campaign officially ended a few weeks ago in California.
The Rose Bowl Reality
If you missed it, Alabama’s season hit a wall at the Rose Bowl back on New Year’s Day. It wasn’t the classic "Granddaddy of Them All" performance fans were hoping for. They went up against a powerhouse Indiana team (yeah, you read that right—Indiana was the #1 seed this year) and things got ugly fast.
The final score was 38-3.
It was a tough pill to swallow for Kalen DeBoer’s squad. Ty Simpson and the offense just couldn’t find a rhythm against that Hoosier defense. Since that loss in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, the team has transitioned entirely into "offseason mode."
What’s happening with Alabama football right now?
Even though there isn't a game on the TV, the program is arguably busier today than they were during the regular season. If you’re a die-hard fan, today is actually a massive day for the future of the roster.
Honestly, the transfer portal and recruiting trail are where the real "games" are being played right now.
- New Additions: Just today, news broke that Alabama landed a commitment from Maurice Mathis Jr., a standout wide receiver from Georgia. He’s a 6-foot-1 playmaker who should give the room some much-needed depth.
- Portal Moves: The team also recently picked up Ethan Fields, an offensive lineman from Ole Miss. With the portal having officially closed its winter window on January 16, the staff is currently finalizing the paperwork for about 16 new transfers.
- Roster Shakeups: It’s been a bit of a revolving door. We’ve seen guys like Isaiah Horton and Jaylen Mbakwe head elsewhere, so the coaching staff is basically playing a high-stakes game of Tetris to get the 2026 roster set.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since you're clearly itching for some Bama football, you might want to mark your calendar for the actual return. The 2026 season opener is set for September 5, 2026, against East Carolina in Tuscaloosa.
Here is a quick look at the big games coming up later this year:
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- Sept 19: Florida State (Home)
- Oct 10: Georgia (Home) – This one is going to be massive.
- Oct 17: At Tennessee
- Nov 28: Auburn (The Iron Bowl)
What to watch today instead
If you absolutely need a football fix today, you’re in luck, just not at the college level. Today is NFL Divisional Playoff Sunday.
While Bama isn't playing, plenty of former Tide stars are likely suited up for the pros. The NFL games are airing on ESPN, ABC, and NBC throughout the afternoon and evening. It’s basically an Alabama alumni game if you look closely at the rosters of the teams left in the hunt.
So, while the answer to "what time does Alabama play football today" is technically "they don't," the program is far from quiet. Between the National Championship game tomorrow (Indiana vs. Miami) and the constant recruiting flips, there’s plenty to keep an eye on.
Your next move: Check the updated 2026 scholarship numbers. With the transfer portal window recently closing, the "way-too-early" depth charts for the East Carolina opener are starting to take shape. Keep an eye on the wide receiver battle—with Ryan Williams returning as a junior, that group is going to be fun to watch.