Fox Sports analyst names Alabama home game as one that will shape the 2026 college football season

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama tight end Kaleb Edwards (81) runs after making a catch against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt feels Alabama football’s home game against Georgia in October will be one of the games that shape the entire 2026 college football season.

The Crimson Tide will host the Bulldogs on Oct. 10, and it will be Alabama’s sixth game of the season. The game has the potential to have a lasting impact on both teams.

The winner will likely have full control of its own destiny, especially if it enters the game undefeated. The loser could have its College Football Playoff hopes put in jeopardy.

Alabama has defeated Georgia two times with Kalen DeBoer as its head coach. The Bulldogs lost in a thriller to Alabama during the 2024 season, 41-34. The Tide picked up another win against the Bulldogs during the 2025 season in Athens when the Tide won 24-21.

Kirby Smart would not let DeBoer get the best of him three times in a row in the SEC Championship. The Bulldogs defeated Alabama in convincing fashion 28-7 in the conference title game last season.

Other games Klatt included alongside Alabama vs. Georgia are Oklahoma at Michigan, Ohio State at Texas and Ohio State at Indiana.

Thoughts on @joelklatt‘s 10 games that will shape the 2026 season? pic.twitter.com/DAQKtxajly

— The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football on FOX Pod (@JoelKlattShow) June 29, 2026