University of Alabama at Birmingham's football program has released the kickoff times and television designations for its 2026 campaign, promising a slate that blends local excitement with national visibility.
Season opener under the lights
The campaign opens on September 3, when the Blazers travel to face the Fighting Illini in Champaign. The game is slated for an 8 p.m. Central Time start and will be carried live on the Big Ten Network, marking the first meeting between the two schools in over a decade.
A week later, Birmingham will host its home opener against the Warhawks of ULM, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on September 12. The broadcast will be streamed on ESPN+, giving fans a chance to watch the team in front of a home crowd for the first time.
The following Saturday, September 19, the Blazers will welcome the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns to Protective Stadium. The contest is set for a 7 p.m. start and will again be streamed on ESPN+, adding another regional rivalry to the schedule.
Salute to Service and family weekend
Perhaps the most anticipated contest is the Salute to Service game against Navy on September 25. The matchup will kick off at 6 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN, honoring the armed forces while showcasing a classic service‑academy rivalry.
Family Weekend brings a home game against Samford on October 3, with streaming on ESPN+ and a kickoff time to be announced. The game is expected to draw a large contingent of alumni and supporters.
The season’s homecoming celebration arrives on October 15, when East Carolina visits Birmingham. The game is slated for a 6:30 p.m. start and will be broadcast on either ESPN or ESPN2, depending on final scheduling.
While the announced windows provide a solid framework, the athletic department has promised to reveal additional kickoff times and TV partners throughout the year, ensuring that the full schedule will be finalized as conference alignments and broadcast agreements evolve.