A Milestone Meeting in Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) football program has revealed that its 2026 season will feature a much‑anticipated clash with the Samford Bulldogs on October 3, 2026, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The contest is slated to begin at 2:30 p.m. Central Time and will be carried live on ESPN+.
This encounter marks only the second time the two Birmingham‑area schools have met on the gridiron, the first having taken place in 1992. The game is also highlighted as part of UAB’s Family Weekend, giving alumni and supporters a chance to combine a family reunion with a college football experience.
Streaming and Schedule Details
Fans across the country will be able to watch the showdown via ESPN+, which has secured exclusive streaming rights for the matchup. The kickoff time of 2:30 p.m. CT places the game in a prime afternoon slot, allowing families attending UAB’s Family Weekend to enjoy the contest without conflicting with other weekend activities.
The stadium itself, Protective Stadium, has become a focal point for Birmingham’s sports scene since its opening, offering a modern venue that enhances the overall gameday atmosphere for both teams and their supporters.
New Coaches Bring Fresh Energy
Both programs will be led by first‑year head coaches. Alex Mortensen, formerly the offensive coordinator for UAB, steps into the role with a reputation for an aggressive, high‑tempo scheme. John Grass, a seasoned defensive mind with a track record of turning units around, begins his tenure with the Bulldogs, promising a more disciplined approach on that side of the ball.
Their appointments signal a strategic shift for each school, as they look to blend fresh schemes with the existing talent pools. Mortensen’s offensive philosophy aims to exploit the speed of UAB’s playmakers, while Grass’s defensive adjustments seek to tighten a unit that has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent.