Alabama Football: FBS programs that have never played the Crimson Tide
By Ronald Evans
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. AAC
UAB Blazers – Alabama-Birmingham is a campus of the University of Alabama System. UAB began playing football in 1996 as an Independent. UAB joined Conference USA in 1999. The Blazers have moved to the AAC for the 2023 season. Alabama and UAB fans know well the acrimony resulting from a perceived belief the Alabama Board of Trustees has always looked unfavorably on the UAB football program.
Navy Midshipmen – The Midshipmen began playing football in 1891 and from that season through 2014 never affiliated with any conference. Navy joined the AAC in 2015. The Midshipmen have not had a winning season since 2019.
Charlotte 49ers – The 49ers had a short tenure at the FBS level with eight seasons in the CUSA before the move to the AAC for the 2023 season. Going farther back the program was a charter member of the Sun Belt. Historically the school is better known as UNCC or Univerity of North Carolina-Charlotte.
UTSA Roadrunners – University of Texas – San Antonio has a short football history. After one season as an FCS program in 2011, UTSA joined the WAC for the 2012 season and moved to the CUSA the following season. Its 11th season of FBS football will be in 2023 in the AAC.