Game Overview
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Alabama Crimson Tide will take the field against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second week of the 2026 college football season, a matchup that pits the nation’s No. 12‑ranked team against an unranked opponent.
Alabama arrived at the contest after a commanding 48‑10 victory over East Carolina, a game in which quarterback Keelon Russell showcased his playmaking range with 256 passing yards and 86 rushing yards, reinforcing his role as a central catalyst for the Tide’s offense.
Kentucky’s New Direction
Kentucky, meanwhile, opened its season with a 45‑13 win over Youngstown State, a performance that featured contributions from quarterbacks Kenny Minchey and CJ Baxter and introduced first‑year head coach Will Stein, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for Oregon under Dan Lanning.
Broadcast Team
The game will be called by ESPN’s veteran analysts Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy, who bring a combined wealth of experience, including McDonough’s background as a former Boston Red Sox radio voice and McElroy’s tenure as Alabama’s starting quarterback during the 2009‑2010 perfect season that culminated in a national championship; Katie George will provide sideline reporting.
Series History
This meeting marks the 43rd installment of a rivalry that currently favors Alabama, which leads the series 39‑2‑1; the most recent encounter ended with a 49‑21 triumph for the Tide in Lexington on November 11, 2023, and Alabama has captured eight straight victories in the series.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Central Time, and the contest will be broadcast nationally on ABC while also streaming on ESPN+ and Disney+, ensuring wide accessibility for fans across the country.