Alabama and Mississippi State college football matchup

Two unbeaten SEC teams, No. 7 Alabama and No. 16 Mississippi State, are scheduled to face each other at Davis Wade Stadium on October 3, 2026.

Both programs entered the matchup with 4-0 overall records and 2-0 conference records. Alabama has demonstrated significant offensive growth, becoming the first FBS program since 2019 to score 45 or more points in each of its first four games. Mississippi State enters the contest following a 31-24 comeback victory against Missouri and maintains an unbeaten home record for the season. The Bulldogs are led by sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor, a highly-rated recruit, and a victory could represent the program’s most significant success since 2014.

Ahead of the matchup, injury reports indicate roster challenges for both sides. Alabama will be without linebacker Justin Hill, Desmond Umeozulu, Jorden Edmonds, Cayden Jones, Nick Sherman, and defensive back Jeremiah Beaman, while offensive lineman Jayvin James is listed as questionable. Mississippi State has ruled out Zakari Tillman, Ayden Williams, Trevion Williams, Diesel Moye, and Moye, though safety Isaac Smith and running back Fluff Bothwell are listed as probable.

Analysts remain divided on the outcome. CBS Sports’ Brian Jones predicted a victory for the Bulldogs, whereas Aaron Taylor, Rick Neuheisel, and Brian Kelly favored Alabama. Kelly suggested the Crimson Tide may “overwhelm Mississippi State late in the game.”