Alabama set to host Florida State in rematch of 2025 opener
The scheduled 19 September fixture follows Florida State’s 31–17 win over Alabama last season, with both programmes entering the meeting on different trajectories.
Alabama is scheduled to host Florida State at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Saturday 19 September 2026, in the seventh meeting between the two programmes. The game is listed for 3.30 pm ET on ABC.
The fixture follows Florida State’s reported 31–17 win over Alabama in the 2025 season opener. Yahoo Sports’ preview says Alabama then won eight consecutive games, reached the SEC Championship and advanced to the College Football Playoff quarter-finals.
Florida State began last season 3–0 but lost seven of its final nine games, according to the preview. The Seminoles are reported to have opened the 2026 season 1–1 after losing their ACC opener to SMU, while Alabama is 2–0 following wins over East Carolina and Kentucky.
Yahoo Sports identifies defensive execution as a key feature of the match-up. It highlights Florida State’s reported tackling and pass-defence problems, while describing Alabama’s third-down defence as a strength. The preview also notes that both teams surrendered turnovers in their most recent reported games.
Alabama leads the series 3–2–1. Florida State won the most recent meeting, while Alabama’s last reported victory was a 24–7 result in the 2017 season opener.
