Tuscaloosa, Alabama, October 3, 2025
News Summary
No. 11 Alabama is preparing to host No. 17 Vanderbilt in a key SEC matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Both teams are dealing with injury challenges, and Alabama looks for revenge after Vanderbilt upset them last season. Quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Diego Pavia are expected to lead their teams in this pivotal game that will impact their standings. With Alabama favored by 11.5 points, excitement builds as ESPN’s College Gameday will be broadcasting live from Tuscaloosa.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – No. 11 Alabama is set to host No. 17 Vanderbilt on October 4 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. This matchup is particularly significant as Alabama seeks revenge after Vanderbilt pulled off a stunning upset, defeating them 40-35 in Nashville during their previous encounter in 2024. The game will be broadcast live on ABC.
Historically, Alabama has dominated the series against Vanderbilt, holding a 63-23 advantage since their first matchup in 1903. The Crimson Tide has been particularly successful at home, winning 32 of the 39 games played against Vanderbilt at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama enters this game with high hopes, relying on quarterback Ty Simpson, who is recognized as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football. Simpson’s performance will be crucial as Alabama aims to bounce back from uneven performances earlier in the season. In their last game, Alabama’s defense showed notable improvement, effectively stopping Georgia’s run game while applying consistent pressure on their backfield.
On the other hand, Vanderbilt has proven to be a competitive force in their 2025 season, earning recognition for a top-25 road win against an SEC opponent. Vanderbilt’s quarterback, Diego Pavia, has emerged as a standout player, having had notable success against Alabama in their last meeting, a factor that adds to the uncertainty surrounding this rematch.
In terms of player availability, both teams are facing injury challenges. Vanderbilt has reported that four players will not play in this game: cornerback Marlon Jones, running back Chase Gillespie, safety Brail Lipford, and linebacker Jamison Curtis. Additionally, defensive lineman Yilanan Ouattara is doubtful, while cornerback Mark Davis is listed as questionable.
Alabama’s injury report includes several players as well, notably Qua Russaw, Jeremiah Beaman, and Jah-Marien Latham, with Beaman and Latham out for the season. The SEC requires teams to issue player availability reports in an effort to improve transparency in sports betting.
The betting line currently favors Alabama, listed at -11.5 against Vanderbilt for the matchup. This game is expected to draw significant attention, with ESPN’s College Gameday broadcasting live from Tuscaloosa prior to kickoff, adding to the excitement of this high-stakes contest.
Game Summary
- Event: Alabama vs. Vanderbilt
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Broadcast: ABC
- Betting Line: Alabama -11.5
Series History
- All-time Series Record: Alabama leads with 63 wins to 23 losses
- Home Games: Alabama has won 32 of 39 home matchups against Vanderbilt
Key Players
- Alabama Quarterback: Ty Simpson
- Vanderbilt Quarterback: Diego Pavia
Injury Reports
Vanderbilt:
- Out: Marlon Jones, Chase Gillespie, Brail Lipford, Jamison Curtis
- Doubtful: Yilanan Ouattara
- Questionable: Mark Davis
Alabama:
- Out for the season: Jeremiah Beaman, Jah-Marien Latham
- Injured: Qua Russaw
Background
This matchup follows the surprising outcome of last year’s game, elevating the stakes for both teams. Alabama will be looking to reassert its dominance in the series while Vanderbilt aims to prove their previous win was not a fluke. With both sides facing injury setbacks and high expectations from their respective fanbases, anticipation is building for this pivotal SEC showdown.
FAQs
What is the date and time of the game between Alabama and Vanderbilt?
The game is scheduled to take place on October 4, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. CT.
Where will the game be held?
The game will be held at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
What is the historical record between Alabama and Vanderbilt?
Historically, Alabama leads the series against Vanderbilt with 63 wins to 23 losses since 1903.
Who are the key players for each team?
Alabama’s key player is quarterback Ty Simpson, while Vanderbilt’s standout is quarterback Diego Pavia.
What are the injury reports for both teams?
Vanderbilt will be missing Marlon Jones, Chase Gillespie, Brail Lipford, and Jamison Curtis, with Yilanan Ouattara doubtful and Mark Davis questionable. Alabama’s injury report includes Jeremiah Beaman and Jah-Marien Latham, out for the season, and Qua Russaw injured.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Date | October 4, 2025 |
| Kickoff Time | 2:30 p.m. CT |
| Broadcasting | ABC |
| Current Betting Line | Alabama -11.5 |
| Series Record | Alabama leads 63-23 |
| Key Players | Ty Simpson (Alabama), Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) |
| Injuries (Vanderbilt) | Marlon Jones, Chase Gillespie, Brail Lipford, Jamison Curtis (Out) |
| Injuries (Alabama) | Jeremiah Beaman, Jah-Marien Latham (Out for the season) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Announces Nonconference Schedule
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: College Football Odds & Picks
- Tuscaloosa News: Alabama vs Vanderbilt Game Prediction
- AL.com: Alabama Football Injuries for Vanderbilt Game
- Sports Illustrated: Vanderbilt Soccer Takes Down Auburn
- ESPN: Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia Eligibility Upheld
- Wikipedia: Alabama Crimson Tide Football
- Wikipedia: Vanderbilt Commodores Football
- Google Search: College Football Odds
- Google Scholar: NCAA Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
Author: HERE Nashville
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