Alabama's football schedule for 2028 just got a little more interesting. The Crimson Tide announced they'll be kicking off the season against Georgia State on September 2nd in Tuscaloosa. But this new addition means Athletic Director Greg Byrne has some decisions to make.
With Georgia State now the fourth out-of-conference game on the docket, Alabama is overbooked for 2028. They've already lined up matchups against Ohio State, UT-Martin, and a road game at Oklahoma State. With a nine-game SEC schedule, something's got to give.
Many fans are speculating that the Ohio State series might be the one to go. After all, a clash with the Buckeyes is a high-risk, high-reward scenario that could potentially damage playoff hopes.
But let's not jump to conclusions just yet. There's a strong case for keeping the Ohio State games intact and instead reconsidering the trip to Oklahoma State.
Here's why Oklahoma State might be the odd one out: Alabama's 2028 schedule already includes five SEC road games. If they cancel Ohio State and keep Oklahoma State, the Tide would end up with only six home games. Losing a home game against a marquee opponent like Ohio State isn't just about the competitive edge-it's a financial consideration too, given the crowd it would draw.
Greg Sankey's SEC mandates also play a role here. Each team is required to have one Power 4 (or Notre Dame) out-of-conference game each season. Keeping Ohio State fits the bill perfectly.
So, while it might seem like a no-brainer to drop the Buckeyes, Alabama's schedule dynamics suggest otherwise. The battle in Tuscaloosa against Ohio State is likely to remain a highlight, while the trip to Oklahoma State might be the one to watch for potential changes.