Alabama Will Host Mercer and Gardner-Webb
The University of Alabama has added two FCS programs to its future football schedules.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football
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Alabama will host Mercer at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11, 2027, and Gardner-Webb on October 13, 2029. These additions complete the non-conference schedules for those respective seasons.
Why it matters
The scheduling of FCS opponents provides regional programs with a $500,000 guarantee per game while finalizing the university's future non-conference lineups. These matchups serve as standard components of the school's long-term football calendar.
Each visiting FCS program will receive a $500,000 guarantee for their appearance. Alabama holds a 5-0 all-time record against Mercer, while the 2029 meeting will mark the first game played against Gardner-Webb.
The players
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public research university that competes in the Southeastern Conference.
Mercer University
Mercer University is a private university located in Georgia that operates an FCS football program.
Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University is a private Christian university and a member of the Ohio Valley conference.
The details
The addition of these two games ensures that Alabama has a set lineup for the 2027 and 2029 seasons. The program also maintains upcoming home games against FCS members Chattanooga on November 21, 2026, and UT Martin on September 16, 2028.
Timeline
November 21, 2026: Alabama hosts Chattanooga.
September 11, 2027: Alabama hosts Mercer.
September 16, 2028: Alabama hosts UT Martin.
October 13, 2029: Alabama hosts Gardner-Webb.
Season Trajectory
These scheduling announcements reflect the established practice of power conference teams balancing their high-profile non-conference games with FCS opponents. This move secures the home slate for the 2027 and 2029 seasons, providing certainty for future ticket holders and travel logistics.
These home games finalize the university's schedule for 2027 and 2029, allowing for advanced season ticket planning. The matchups serve to balance the strength of the future football schedule while providing guaranteed revenue for the visiting FCS institutions.
The takeaway
Securing these opponents years in advance is a standard administrative task for college athletic departments to ensure home-field revenue. Readers looking to plan for future game attendance can now account for these specific dates on the upcoming calendar.
Further reading
For more news on the program, visit Alabama football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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