The weekend delivers yet another enticing SEC contest on Sunday afternoon. It’s another ranked matchup between Alabama and Florida as both programs look to assert themselves in the conference race. Neither team is exactly living up to preseason expectations but which grabs a much needed and significant win in this showdown?
The recent work from Alabama (14-6) has been somewhat troubling as the Crimson Tide are just 4-3 in league play. They’ve already lost home games to both Tennessee and Texas though it’s hard to call any of their losses mind boggling at least. Nate Oats and his team have seen headlines because of the sudden return of Charles Bediako but even with his presence this team still isn’t really taking off as a true national contender again.
There’s a similar story at Florida (15-6) this season, though things have been pretty good during SEC play. The Gators are still shaking off that head scratching home loss to Auburn, but are at 6-2 and near the top of the league standings with impressive wins over Tennessee and Vanderbilt in recent weeks. Back at home again, the Gators are trying to cement their place not just as a top SEC team but as a squad that can repeat as national champions.
Alabama vs. Florida: When and Where
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 1:00 pm ET
Location: Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida
Alabama vs. Florida: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: ABC
Streaming: FuboTV
Alabama vs. Florida: Betting Odds
Spread: N/A
Moneyline: N/A
Total: N/A
Alabama vs. Florida: Series History
All-time series: Alabama leads 79-74
Last meeting: Florida 104, Alabama 82 (March 15, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Alabama Crimson Tide
Labaron Philon Jr. (22.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.1 apg)
Aden Holloway (16.9 ppg, 3.9 apg)
Aiden Sherrell (10.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg)
Latrell Wrightsell (11.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Charles Bediako (13.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
Florida Gators
Thomas Haugh (17.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
Alex Condon (13.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.6 apg)
Rueben Chinyelu (12.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg)
Boogie Fland (11.2 ppg, 3.7 apg)
Xaivian Lee (11.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
These two teams have been unquestionable standouts in the SEC in recent years but neither is flawless this season. The Gators have gotten inconsistent play from their backcourt and they’ll need Fland and Lee playing solidly to keep up with Alabama’s offense. The Crimson Tide have had their own shooting woes. When Alabama doesn’t shoot the ball well, their defense isn’t exactly going to slow down teams. Having a weapon like Bediako to combat Florida’s dynamic frontcourt certainly helps matters but this is still an uphill battle on the road. One of these teams is going to make a major statement and it may be on the back of an unexpected name.
Will we see Alabama bring the heat and grab an important road win to propel themselves back towards the top of the SEC? Can Florida continue getting back on track by sinking the Crimson Tide with a solid and smart game plan?