Auburn, Alabama each have game and TV times set for first three weeks of season

As the 2025 college football season approaches, fans of Auburn and Alabama are eagerly anticipating the kickoff of what promises to be an exciting year. Both programs have had significant offseasons, with coaching changes, roster adjustments, and heightened expectations. With the Southeastern Conference (SEC) continuing to be one of the most competitive conferences in college football, the early-season matchups for both Auburn and Alabama are crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the season.

Recently, the SEC announced the kickoff times and television networks for the first three games of the 2025 season for both Auburn and Alabama. These announcements have provided fans with the information they need to plan their fall Saturdays and have sparked discussions about the potential impact of these games on each team’s season.

## Auburn’s 2025 Season Opener

Auburn will open its 2025 season on the road against Baylor on Saturday, August 30. This marks the first time since 2019 that Auburn will begin the season with a true road game, and the first time since 2002 that the Tigers will open with a game away from Jordan-Hare Stadium .

The game is scheduled to take place at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, with a kickoff time to be announced. This matchup is significant for Auburn as it represents a challenging start to the season against a Baylor team that has been competitive in recent years.

## Home Opener Against Ball State

Following the season opener, Auburn will return home to Jordan-Hare Stadium for its home opener against Ball State on Saturday, September 6. This game is part of Auburn’s “Kickoff on the Plains” series, which features non-conference matchups to start the season .

The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN+/SECN+. This evening kickoff provides fans with an opportunity to enjoy a night game atmosphere at one of the most iconic stadiums in college football.

## Homecoming Game Against South Alabama

The following week, Auburn will host South Alabama on Saturday, September 13. This game is designated as Auburn’s Homecoming game, adding an extra layer of excitement and tradition to the matchup .

The kickoff time for this game is set for 2:30 p.m. CT, and it will be televised on ESPN2. The afternoon start allows fans to enjoy the game under the sun and participate in the various Homecoming festivities that are a staple of college football culture.

## Alabama’s 2025 Season Opener

Alabama will begin its 2025 season with a home game against Middle Tennessee on Saturday, August 30. This matchup provides Alabama with an opportunity to start the season with a win and build momentum heading into the more challenging SEC schedule.

The game is scheduled to take place at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with a kickoff time to be announced. As the season opener, this game will be an important test for Alabama as it looks to establish its identity for the upcoming season.

## Road Game Against Texas

In the second week of the season, Alabama will travel to Austin, Texas, to face the Longhorns on Saturday, September 6. This non-conference matchup is a significant game for both programs, as it marks a rare meeting between two powerhouse teams from different conferences.

The game is scheduled to take place at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, with a kickoff time to be announced. This high-profile matchup is expected to draw national attention and will be a key early-season test for Alabama.

## Home Game Against Louisiana-Monroe

Alabama will return home to Bryant-Denny Stadium for its third game of the season against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday, September 13. This game provides Alabama with an opportunity to fine-tune its roster and prepare for the upcoming SEC schedule.

The kickoff time for this game is set for 11:00 a.m. CT, and it will be televised on SEC Network. The early start allows fans to enjoy a morning game and participate in the day’s festivities.

## Significance of Early-Season Matchups

The first three games of the season are crucial for both Auburn and Alabama as they look to set the tone for the rest of the year. For Auburn, the road game against Baylor presents an early challenge that will test the team’s readiness for the season. The home games against Ball State and South Alabama provide opportunities to build confidence and establish momentum.

For Alabama, the home opener against Middle Tennessee allows the team to start the season with a win. The road game against Texas is a significant non-conference matchup that will test Alabama’s ability to perform in a hostile environment. The home game against Louisiana-Monroe provides an opportunity to fine-tune the roster and prepare for the upcoming SEC schedule.

## Fan Engagement and Game-Day Atmosphere

The announced kickoff times and television networks have generated excitement among fans of both programs. The evening and afternoon start times for Auburn’s home games allow fans to enjoy the traditional tailgating experiences and create a vibrant game-day atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

For Alabama, the home games against Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe provide fans with opportunities to attend games at Bryant-Denny Stadium and support their team in person. The road game against Texas presents a unique opportunity for Alabama fans to travel and experience a game at one of college football’s most iconic stadiums.

As the 2025 season approaches, both Auburn and Alabama are focused on preparing their teams for the challenges ahead. The early-season matchups will provide valuable insights into each team’s strengths and areas for improvement. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with high-stakes games and memorable moments.

In the coming weeks, additional details about game times, television networks, and ticket information will be announced. Fans are encouraged to stay updated through the official athletic websites of Auburn and Alabama for the latest information.