You can always tell the light is finally visible at the end of the long tunnel of the offseason when kickoff times and TV designations start getting released. Granted, the tunnel is still quite lengthy, but in late May, we'll take any sign of light we can get.
While it may not be the biggest game on the 2026 schedule, Alabama fans, players, and coaches undoubtedly have the Week 3 matchup at home against Florida State already circled. The Seminoles stunned the Crimson Tide in Tallahassee to open last season, handing Kalen DeBoer a loss that did severe damage to public opinion of him amongst Alabama fans. Even a CFP bid and subsequent road win over Oklahoma couldn't erase the memory of the deflating defeat.
But DeBoer can put that game further in the rearview in the rematch in Tuscaloosa to end the home-and-home series between the two. And now, that game has a kickoff time and broadcast network.
Alabama and Florida State will kick off at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 19th at 2:30 pm CT on ABC.
It's not a surprise with Lane Kiffin's return to Ole Miss on the same date. That was obviously going to get the ABC primetime slot, but perhaps if Mike Norvell and FSU hadn't effectively bottomed out two years in a row, the game may have slotted into the ESPN 6 pm CT kick that Auburn and Florida got instead.
Florida State's struggles have removed the luster of Alabama's marquee non-conference matchup
If it weren't for Florida State's upset win over Alabama last year, this game would not have any real buzz. Alabama may not be the Alabama of the Nick Saban era anymore, but it's still a competitive program coming off a College Football Playoff berth.
Florida State, on the other hand, has won just seven games in two years. Norvell enters the season on one of the hottest seats in America. Many thought DeBoer might be on the hot seat with him, but Greg Byrne gave the Tide's head man a significant vote of confidence with a contract extension and raise last month.
Alabama's early schedule sets up nicely before a gauntlet in October. It's critical for the Tide to avoid stumbling blocks on the road against Kentucky, at home against Florida State, at home against South Carolina, or on the road against Mississippi State in consecutive weeks.
If Alabama can get off to a 5-0 start, it will buy itself a mulligan or two during the four-game stretch of vs. Georgia, at Tennessee, vs. Texas A&M, and at LSU.
Fortunately, Alabama shouldn't lack for motivation early in the season, particularly with the rematch opportunity against FSU.
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