As the calendar inches closer to fall, excitement is ramping up in Tuscaloosa and beyond. The University of Alabama officially announced start times and initial TV broadcast information for its early 2025 football season games, giving Crimson Tide fans a first look at what lies ahead under the blazing lights and national spotlight.
This fall marks the second season under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who enters 2025 with high expectations following a successful debut campaign. With a challenging non-conference opener, an SEC gauntlet looming, and a mix of marquee matchups and potential trap games, the Tide’s early season schedule is as compelling as ever. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Alabama’s first few contests, including kickoff times, TV details, opponent previews, and what fans can expect as the Tide looks to roll once again.
Game 1: Alabama at Florida State — A Blockbuster Opener
- Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CT)
- Network: ABC
- Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Alabama opens the 2025 season on the road in a nationally televised showdown against Florida State. It’s a matchup that pits two blueblood programs against each other and is already drawing significant national buzz. This game will not only serve as a litmus test for the Tide early in the season, but also carry potential College Football Playoff implications.
This isn’t just any opener — it’s Alabama’s first trip to Tallahassee in program history. The last time these two met, it was in Atlanta to kick off the 2017 season, where the Tide walked away with a 24–7 victory. But a lot has changed since then.
Under head coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have reemerged as a power in the ACC, and with Doak Campbell Stadium expected to be rocking, this will be a true road test for Alabama. ABC’s primetime 3:30 PM ET slot ensures that fans nationwide will tune in to witness the early-season clash of titans.
This opener may also mark the debut of Alabama’s new starting quarterback — a position battle that has raged since spring — as well as the unveiling of offensive wrinkles DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan have been installing.
Game 2: Home Opener vs Louisiana-Monroe
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Time: TBA
- Network: TBA
- Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
The Crimson Tide return to the friendly confines of Bryant-Denny Stadium for their home opener in Week 2 against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. While kickoff time and TV details are yet to be finalized, this game is expected to air on either SEC Network or ESPN+, likely in the early or afternoon slot.
Alabama is heavily favored in this matchup, and rightly so. Still, the Tide knows not to take ULM lightly — the Warhawks famously stunned Alabama back in 2007 during Nick Saban’s first season. Since then, the Tide have made a point of ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself.
This game will offer Alabama an opportunity to iron out any kinks following the Florida State game, and potentially rest starters in the second half if things go according to plan. Expect plenty of freshmen and second-teamers to see the field — including potential breakout stars on both sides of the ball.
Game 3: Showdown with Wisconsin — Big Ten Clash in Tuscaloosa
- Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Time: TBA
- Network: TBA
- Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
In Week 3, Alabama wraps up its non-conference slate with a compelling home contest against the Wisconsin Badgers. The exact start time and TV network will be determined by the SEC’s new television partnership model with ESPN/ABC, but this one is almost certain to draw a prominent time slot — possibly under the lights.
Wisconsin, now under second-year head coach Luke Fickell, continues to transition to a more up-tempo, spread offense while maintaining their historic physicality on defense. The clash of styles between the Badgers’ rugged Big Ten trench play and Alabama’s explosive pace will be fascinating.
This game will also complete a home-and-home series that began with Alabama’s 2024 trip to Madison, a game that was one of the most watched of the season. With revenge, pride, and national ranking implications on the line, Alabama-Wisconsin will be a crucial early litmus test.
A strong showing could solidify Alabama’s playoff résumé early in the season, especially if Florida State and Wisconsin both have strong years. Conversely, a slip-up could put added pressure on the Tide heading into SEC play.
Bye Week: September 20, 2025
With three non-conference games under their belt, Alabama gets a much-needed break before diving into SEC play. This bye week couldn’t come at a better time — providing an opportunity for rest, healing, and recalibration before what may be the toughest stretch of their season.
Game 4: SEC Opener at Georgia — Early SEC Championship Preview?
- Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Time: TBA
- Network: TBA
- Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
Alabama begins SEC play with an absolute monster: a road game against Georgia. It’s a rematch of last season’s titanic conference battle and a potential preview of the 2025 SEC Championship Game.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has built a juggernaut in Athens, and Sanford Stadium will be a hornet’s nest when the Crimson Tide roll into town. With both teams likely ranked inside the top 5 nationally, the atmosphere will be electric and the stakes high.
Given the magnitude of the matchup, ESPN or ABC are likely to award this game a prime-time slot — potentially 7:00 PM ET on Saturday Night Football. This contest may very well be the most-watched game of the entire September slate.
SEC Network and ESPN Time Slot Structure for 2025
Thanks to the new media deal between the SEC and ESPN, kickoff times in 2025 will follow a more structured format across Saturdays:
SEC Network
- Morning Game: 11:45 AM CT
- Afternoon Game: 3:15 PM CT
- Evening Game: 6:45 PM CT
ESPN/ABC
- Featured Game (early): 11:00 AM CT
- Afternoon Game: 2:30 PM CT
- Prime Time: 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM CT
This updated structure makes it easier for fans to plan their weekends and tailgating around known kickoff windows. It also ensures that Alabama — often featured in the marquee slot — gets prime exposure.
What’s Next After September?
Following the early-season gauntlet, Alabama enters the heart of SEC play:
- Oct 4: vs Vanderbilt (Home)
- Oct 11: at Missouri
- Oct 18: vs Tennessee (3rd Saturday in October)
- Oct 25: at South Carolina
- Nov 1: BYE
- Nov 8: vs LSU
- Nov 15: vs Oklahoma (first SEC visit to Tuscaloosa)
- Nov 22: vs Eastern Illinois (Senior Day)
- Nov 29: at Auburn (Iron Bowl)
The 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide enter the season with lofty goals — and the early season schedule offers both opportunity and peril. A win over Florida State would send a powerful statement nationally. A clean sweep of the non-conference schedule, especially with a win over Wisconsin, would lay the groundwork for another College Football Playoff run.
However, the early road trip to Georgia looms large. Alabama’s ability to navigate that gauntlet without a blemish may very well determine its postseason fate.
And of course, with the SEC stronger than ever thanks to the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, every game will be a battle. The schedule isn’t just about surviving — it’s about making a statement.
