No. 12 Alabama and Kentucky picked up wins in their first game of the college football season last week, and on Saturday they will square off in their first SEC matchup of the season.
Sep 5, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back CJ Baxter (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Youngstown State Penguins at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Arden Barnes-Imagn Images
How to Watch Alabama vs Kentucky
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV Channel: ABC
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Improving its offense was a priority for Kentucky this offseason, so much so that it hired former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as its head coach. He lived up to the hype. The Wildcats put up 506 total yards, including 301 in the air and 205 on the ground in a 45-13 win over Youngstown State.
Alabama's first road game of the season also marks the first road game for 19-year-old quarterback Keelon Russell. He looked impressive in a 48-10 win over East Carolina, but Saturday will be a huge test. He went 18-for-30 against East Carolina with 256 passing yards and 86 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown.
One of Alabama's biggest flaws last season was its running game, highlighted by an embarrassing 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game when it finished with -3 rushing yards. That changed drastically last week, as Alabama rushed for 227 yards and five touchdowns.
The teams have played each other a total of 42 times, and Kentucky has won only two of them. Alabama has won the last eight matchups. The last time the two teams played each other was in 2023, with the Crimson Tide winning 49-21.