A nighttime showdown in Tuscaloosa sets the stage for an exciting matchup. Each side will compete in its third SEC game on the slate, with both coming off tough losses to ranked opponents.
Texas has suffered a pair of frustrating losses to begin conference play — a 101-98 overtime loss to Mississippi State followed by an 85-71 defeat by the hands of Tennessee. It enters Saturday's tilt at 9-6, still searching for its first conference win of the season.
Alabama was rolling before running into sudden powerhouse Vanderbilt. In Nashville, the Crimson Tide lost at their own game — a track meet. In the 96-90 loss to the Commodores, Amari Allen (25) and Aden Holloway (22) led the way in scoring, but it wasn't enough as the Tide fell to 1-1 in conference play.
These two teams have met just once since Texas joined the SEC as a part of the massive Division I conference realignment a few years back. In that meeting, Alabama played to its strengths, defeating the Longhorns, 103-80. Expect more of the same on Saturday as each side ranks in the top-25 of offensive efficiency according to KenPom.
Texas vs. Alabama: When and Where
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm ET
Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Texas vs. Alabama: TV and Streaming Info
TV: ESPN
Texas vs. Alabama Betting Odds
- Spread: Alabama Crimson Tide -13.5, Texas Longhorns +13.5
- Moneyline: Alabama Crimson Tide -1350, Texas Longhorns +800
- Total: 179.5
Texas vs. Alabama Series History
- All-Time Series: Texas leads 9-5
- Last Meeting: Alabama won 103-80 on February 11, 2025
Projected Starting Lineups
Texas Longhorns
- #3 Dailyn Swain 15.6 PPG
- #8 Matas Vokietaitis 15.3 PPG
- #12 Tramon Mark 12.6 PPG
- #0 Jordan Pope 12.1 PPG
- #5 Camden Heide 6.9 PPG
Key note: Look for leading scorer Swain to rebound following a five-point effort versus Tennessee
Alabama Crimson Tide
- #0 Labaron Philon Jr. 21.3 PPG
- #2 Aden Holloway 18.7 PPG
- #5 Amari Allen 11.6 PPG
- #3 Latrell Wrightsell 10.8 PPG
- #7 Taylor Bol Bowen 8.8 PPG
Key note: Philon Jr. played just 19 minutes versus Vanderbilt due to cramping. Keep an eye out for his production against the Longhorns
Game Outlook
Another SEC tilt on the docket for Saturday seems to be trending in one direction — a decisive Alabama victory.
The buzzsaw that is Vanderbilt ran in Alabama's way, but the Crimson Tide should be able to right the ship against a Texas team that lacks an identity at the halfway point of the season.
Alabama's scorers outmatch Texas's scorers in a multitude of avenues, but Texas's one saving grace on Saturday will be slowing down the 11th ranked team in adjusted temp according to KenPom. The Crimson Tide run teams out of the building, but if Texas can control the tempo and run offensive set pieces at a high efficiency, then this game can swing its direction.
The fact of the matter is, Texas needs to win this game a lot more than Alabama does. Texas is clearly on the outside looking in of the NCAA Tournament and a big road win in Tuscaloosa would do wonders for their resume. Can they keep up the shot making in this high-octane environment is the question.