Alabama's Annual SEC Rivalries Revealed

The SEC has revealed annual opponents for each SEC team as the conference prepares for a new era of nine conference games. Three opponents will be permanent, with the Crimson Tide getting three historic rivalries preserved.

Get our free mobile app

According to Chris Low of On3 Sports, Alabama's three annual SEC opponents will be the Auburn Tigers, the Tennessee Volunteers, and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Two of the games were obvious, with the Iron Bowl, played annually between Alabama and Auburn, being the biggest rivalry game in the SEC. Alabama and Auburn have played 89 times in the schools' histories, with Alabama holding a 51-37-1 lead in the all-time series. The other matchup, the Third Saturday of October, is played annually between Alabama and Tennessee. The game is known for the victor smoking cigars after the game. The Crimson Tide and the Volunteers have played 107 times, with Alabama leading the series 60-39-8 all-time.

The third opponent drew some questions, with Alabama losing its annual matchup with the LSU Tigers in favor of renewing the annual rivalry with Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide and the Bulldogs have played 108 times, which is the most games played against a single opponent in Alabama football history. Alabama leads the series 88-17-3. The two schools are also the closest in the SEC, separated by a 90-minute drive on Highway 82.

The opponents will be re-evaluated in four seasons following the 2029 SEC season.

The Crimson Tide's full slate of opponents for the 2026 SEC season will be released on Tuesday, September 23.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.