College football’s landscape shifted dramatically this week as the Alabama Crimson Tide secured their future matchups with Ohio State, dropped a planned series with Oklahoma State, and as the Cowboys pivoted to a new Big Ten foe. The moves, announced in tandem, reshape the nonconference schedules of two powerhouse programs and underscore the fluid nature of modern college football alliances.
Alabama’s decision to keep its home-and-home series with Ohio State intact—set for 2027 and 2028—was confirmed by the Crimson Tide’s athletic department, marking a continuation of a rivalry that has drawn national attention in recent years. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide and Oklahoma State Cowboys mutually agreed to cancel their own two-game series, originally scheduled for 2028 and 2029. The cancellation clears the way for Oklahoma State to announce a new home-and-home series with Michigan State, a Big Ten program, for the same seasons.
The changes reflect broader shifts in college football, including the SEC’s move to a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2024, which has forced teams to rethink their nonconference matchups. For Alabama, the Ohio State series remains a high-profile draw, offering a chance to test their program against one of the nation’s most storied football traditions. The decision to drop Oklahoma State, however, signals a strategic realignment as the Crimson Tide prioritize games with potential national championship implications.
Alabama’s Future Schedule: A Look Ahead
Alabama’s future schedule through 2029 is now clearer, with Ohio State anchoring two of the next four seasons. The Crimson Tide will host the Buckeyes in 2027 and travel to Columbus in 2028, according to official announcements from both programs. Beyond SEC matchups, Alabama’s slate includes a home game against Florida State in 2026, a road trip to Notre Dame in 2029, and a return visit from the Fighting Irish in 2030.
While the 2026 schedule has been finalized, details for 2030 and beyond remain under wraps, pending further negotiations and SEC scheduling decisions. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Alabama adds another marquee nonconference opponent in the coming years.
Oklahoma State’s Pivot to Michigan State
Oklahoma State’s abrupt shift from Alabama to Michigan State marks a significant realignment for the Cowboys. The new home-and-home series with the Spartans, set for 2028 and 2029, replaces the canceled games with Alabama. The first matchup will be in Stillwater on September 16, 2028, with Michigan State returning the favor in East Lansing the following season.
This move is notable not only for its timing but also for its implications. Michigan State, a member of the Big Ten, brings a new dynamic to Oklahoma State’s schedule, offering a chance to test the Cowboys against a different conference’s top talent. The series also underscores the growing interconnectedness of college football, as programs increasingly seek out high-profile matchups to boost visibility and revenue.
Why These Changes Matter
The cancellation of the Alabama-Oklahoma State series and the addition of Michigan State to Oklahoma State’s schedule have ripple effects across college football. For Alabama, the focus remains on maintaining a competitive nonconference slate that complements their SEC commitments. The Ohio State series, in particular, offers a chance to build on recent successes and solidify the Crimson Tide’s reputation as a national powerhouse.
For Oklahoma State, the new series with Michigan State provides an opportunity to elevate their program’s profile. With the departure of longtime head coach Mike Gundy, the Cowboys are looking to make a statement with their new scheduling direction. The addition of a Big Ten opponent also aligns with broader trends in college football, where cross-conference matchups are becoming increasingly common.
Fans of both programs will be eager to see how these new matchups unfold. For Alabama, the Ohio State games promise to be must-watch events, while Oklahoma State’s series with Michigan State could become a highlight of the Cowboys’ season in the coming years.
Next Steps and Official Updates
As the college football season approaches, both Alabama and Oklahoma State will continue to refine their schedules. Fans are encouraged to follow official updates from the Crimson Tide and Cowboys, as well as the SEC and Big Ten, for any further announcements. The next major checkpoint for Alabama will be the release of their 2027 schedule, which will include the home game against Ohio State.
For Oklahoma State, the focus will be on preparing for their new series with Michigan State, including fan engagement and ticket sales for the upcoming games.
As always, we welcome your thoughts and insights. Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with fellow college football fans.
Worth a look
