Kirk Herbstreit says other programs will follow Alabama with schedule changes

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit took to social media to react to the changes the Alabama Crimson Tide announced Monday it will be making to its 2026, 2027 and 2032 football schedules

“Get ready to see this happen all over the sport,” Herbstreit wrote on X. “If it’s only about how many wins ya have and not who you’re playing and where you’re playing you’re gonna see every AD make these same moves. Kiss meaningful nonconference games in late August and early September goodbye. Cupcakes.”

The Crimson Tide has games with Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Notre Dame scheduled. Not only will the Tide have to deal with those Power 5 opponents, but it will also deal with a new nine-game conference schedule in arguably the toughest conference in college football.

When Alabama made the scheduling changes, it mutually agreed with South Florida to move their matchup to the 2032 season. In place of the Bulls, the Tide scheduled FCS Chattanooga. It’s also worth mentioning that FCS teams are not uncommon opponents for Alabama or any other Power 5 program.

The other change that was made was adding Marshall to the 2027 season, the same season that the Crimson Tide will travel to Columbus to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. It will be the first time that Alabama has met Marshall.