The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Football Announces Kickoff Time for Samford Matchup
5/29/2026 1:00:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The American Conference and UAB Football announced Friday that the Blazers' matchup against the Samford Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Protective Stadium is set for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff. The game will stream on ESPN+.
The contest features two Birmingham-area programs meeting for just the second time in series history. The only previous meeting between the schools came during the 1992 season, UAB's second year of varsity football. The matchup also serves as UAB's Family Weekend game during the 2026 season.
The Blazers are entering their first full season under head coach Alex Mortensen, while John Grass begins his first season leading the Bulldogs. Additional kickoff times and television designations for the remainder of the 2026 season will be announced throughout the year through the conference television selection process.
| Date | Opponent | Time (CT) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | at Illinois Fighting Illini | 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network |
| Sept. 12 | vs. ULM Warhawks | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Sept. 19 | at Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns | 7 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Sept. 25 | vs. Navy Midshipmen | 6 p.m. | ESPN |
| Oct. 3 | vs. Samford Bulldogs | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Oct. 15 | vs. East Carolina Pirates | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN or ESPN2 |
