Alabama Football: FBS programs that have never played the Crimson Tide

Alabama Football vs. CUSA

Liberty Flames – Liberty began football in 1973 but did not move to the FBS until the 2018 season. After five seasons as an independent, Liberty has joined Conference USA for the 2023 season. Following a 10-1 campaign in 2020, Liberty has gone 8-5 in each of its last two seasons.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks – Jacksonville State, in Alabama, has fielded football teams since early in the 20th century. The 2023 season will be Jax State’s first at the FBS level.

Sam Houston State Bearkats – The Bearkats have been an established FCS powerhouse and are making the jump to the FBS in the 2023 season.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Independents

UConn Huskies – The Huskies have been playing college football since the 19th century. From 2004 through 2019 the Huskies played in the Big East and American conferences. For the last two seasons, the Huskies have been an Independent, winning only seven games over the two seasons. UConn was also an Independent in 2020 but did not play any games.

UMass Minutemen – With the exception of the 2012-2015 seasons, the Minutemen have been independent for most of their existence. The highlight for UMass was the 2017 and 2018 seasons when UMass won a total of eight games.