How to Watch Alabama vs. Tennessee on DIRECTV: Kickoff Time, TV Network (TBD) and Streaming
The Third Saturday in October lands right on schedule. No. 6 Alabama (5-0, 3-0 SEC) visits No. 15 Tennessee (4-1, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
The TV network hasn't been announced yet. The SEC says the game will air on ABC, ESPN or SEC Network, and the pick comes after this Saturday's (October 10) games. We'll update this page when it's set. In the meantime, here's how to watch on DIRECTV no matter which network gets it.
Alabama vs. Tennessee: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT |
| TV network | TBD: ABC, ESPN or SEC Network (set after the Oct. 10 games) |
| Live stream | ESPN app (whichever of the three networks airs it) |
| Stadium | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Rankings | Alabama No. 6 AP / No. 7 Coaches; Tennessee No. 15 AP / No. 14 Coaches (Oct. 4 polls) |
| Records | Alabama 5-0, 3-0 SEC; Tennessee 4-1, 1-1 SEC (through Oct. 3) |
What channel will Alabama vs. Tennessee be on DIRECTV?
It depends on which network the SEC and ESPN pick. Here's where each option sits on DIRECTV:
| If it's on | DIRECTV channel | Satellite packages |
|---|---|---|
| ABC | Your local ABC station (varies by market) | Core packages where locals are offered |
| ESPN | 206 | ENTERTAINMENT and up |
| SEC Network | 611 | CHOICE and up |
The one to check is SEC Network. It isn't in the ENTERTAINMENT package, so if you have ENTERTAINMENT and the game lands on SEC Network, you'll need CHOICE or higher. ABC and ESPN are covered with ENTERTAINMENT. Read what channel SEC Network is on DIRECTV, find your local ABC channel, or call 1-855-690-9884 to check your package before October 17.
How to stream Alabama vs. Tennessee
ABC, ESPN and SEC Network games all stream in the ESPN app. DIRECTV says eligible customers whose package includes ESPN can activate ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost. Activate it from your DIRECTV account and sign in to the ESPN app with the same ESPN account. The DIRECTV app also streams the channels in your package live.
Three 3:30 SEC games, three networks
Alabama-Tennessee is one of three SEC games at 3:30 p.m. ET on October 17 that are all listed for "ABC, ESPN or SEC Network." The other two are Auburn at Georgia and Missouri at Ole Miss. Those assignments are on hold until after this weekend, and college football's six-day holds are finalized on Sunday, October 11.
Game preview: the Third Saturday in October
- Series: this is the 109th meeting. Alabama leads 61-39-8 on the field.
- Last year: Alabama won 37-20 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
- Knoxville edge: Tennessee has won the last two games played at Neyland Stadium.
- Alabama's form: the Crimson Tide has scored at least 45 points in every game. Keelon Russell threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-23 win at Mississippi State on October 3.
- Tennessee's form: the Vols beat Auburn 24-14 on October 3 behind DeSean Bishop's 220 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Both teams play big games first
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV | DIRECTV channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Oct. 10 | Tennessee at Arkansas | 4:15 p.m. | SEC Network | 611 |
| Sat., Oct. 10 | No. 2 Georgia at No. 6 Alabama | 7:30 p.m. | ABC | Local ABC |
Our Georgia vs. Alabama guide covers Saturday night's showdown, and the Week 6 college football TV schedule has every game this weekend. Rankings and records above can change after those games.
Other ways to watch
- Antenna: if the game lands on ABC, you can also pick it up free over the air in range of an ABC station.
- Radio: both schools' radio networks carry the game; check your team's official site for local stations.
Want ABC, ESPN and SEC Network covered for the rest of the season? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Alabama vs. Tennessee?
Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
What channel is Alabama vs. Tennessee on?
It hasn't been announced. The game will air on ABC, ESPN or SEC Network, and the network will be picked after the October 10 games. On DIRECTV, ABC is your local ABC station, ESPN is channel 206 and SEC Network is channel 611.
Do I need SEC Network for Alabama vs. Tennessee?
Only if the game is assigned to SEC Network. SEC Network is DIRECTV channel 611 and comes with CHOICE and higher packages. ABC and ESPN are available with ENTERTAINMENT.
Can I stream Alabama vs. Tennessee?
Yes. ABC, ESPN and SEC Network games stream in the ESPN app. DIRECTV says eligible customers whose package includes ESPN can activate ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost.
Who leads the Alabama-Tennessee series?
Alabama leads 61-39-8 on the field. Alabama won last year 37-20, and Tennessee has won the last two meetings in Knoxville.
Want to be sure you have SEC Network before kickoff? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 6, 2026. The TV network for this game had not been announced as of this update; kickoff times and TV assignments are set by the SEC and ESPN and may change. Rankings reflect the October 4 AP and Coaches polls; records reflect games through October 3. Local channel availability, channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. ABC, ESPN, SEC Network, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.