The Alabama Crimson Tide are scheduled to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in a high-profile home-and-home series in 2027 and 2028. But according to longtime college football analyst Paul Finebaum, don’t be surprised if that matchup never sees the light of day.
Finebaum, speaking on 97.1 The Fan, suggested that Alabama may not be in the right position-on or off the field-to follow through on the series. The main reason? Uncertainty around the program’s direction under head coach Kalen DeBoer and the added pressure of a nine-game SEC schedule beginning in 2026.
“I sincerely doubt the Alabama game is going to happen based on what I’ve heard from Alabama’s AD,” Finebaum said. “He’s got a shaky situation there anyway with a coach that is in trouble.”
That’s a strong statement, but it reflects the reality of Alabama’s current crossroads. DeBoer, who came to Tuscaloosa with high expectations, has just one College Football Playoff win under his belt in two seasons.
And in a program where national titles are the standard, that’s not exactly a confidence booster. The Tide have been under the microscope since Nick Saban’s retirement, and the pressure to maintain Alabama’s dynastic identity has only intensified.
Meanwhile, Finebaum noted that Georgia-another SEC powerhouse with a home-and-home series scheduled against Ohio State in 2030 and 2031-might be more inclined to honor its commitment. Why?
Stability. The Bulldogs, he said, are more “in-tune and aligned,” which makes them better positioned to handle the demands of a nine-game SEC slate while still taking on marquee non-conference opponents.
That ninth conference game is a big deal. SEC athletic directors have voiced concerns about the added strain it puts on their programs-financially, physically, and competitively. And for a team like Alabama, which is still trying to find its footing in the post-Saban era, adding a heavyweight like Ohio State to the schedule might be more risk than reward.
There’s also the matter of Alabama’s quarterback situation heading into 2026. Right now, it’s wide open.
The options? Austin Mack, a former three-star recruit and transfer from Washington who followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa, or Keelon Russell, a redshirt freshman who got just 15 pass attempts in 2025.
Neither has proven themselves on the big stage, and that uncertainty under center only adds to the questions surrounding the program.
On top of that, Alabama’s defense has taken some hits. The Tide lost two key players-linebacker Qua Russaw and defensive lineman James Smith-to the transfer portal, and both ended up at Ohio State.
That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially with the Buckeyes looming on the schedule. Losing impact players to a future opponent is one thing, but losing them to a team you might not even end up playing?
That stings.
The big picture here is that Alabama is in a transitional phase, and it's unclear whether DeBoer will still be leading the program by the time 2027 rolls around. The standard in Tuscaloosa has always been crystal clear: win big, and win now. Anything less invites scrutiny-and right now, there's plenty of it.
As for Ohio State, they’ll be ready regardless. The Buckeyes have the depth, resources, and stability to take on anyone, anywhere.
But if one of these two blue bloods is going to blink first, Finebaum believes it’ll be Alabama. Especially with the SEC’s evolving schedule and the Tide’s reluctance to schedule even in-state Group of Five opponents, much less a national powerhouse like Ohio State.
Bottom line: the Alabama-Ohio State series is still on the books, but don’t be shocked if it quietly disappears from the calendar. The Tide have bigger questions to answer before they can afford to take on that kind of challenge.