Key Points
- ESPNU will broadcast the American Athletic Conference game between UAB and South Florida on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
- Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, is set for 11:00 a.m. CT (12:00 p.m. ET).
- UAB holds a 4-3 overall record and a 2-1 conference mark after a bye week and a 30-17 overtime win against East Carolina.
- South Florida enters with a 5-2 overall record and a 1-2 conference standing following an open week and a 29-2 victory over Kent State.
- The game is the sixth meeting between the two programmes, with South Florida leading the head-to-head series 3-2.
- WJOX 94.5 FM will air local radio coverage with David Crane, Bryant Turner, and Landrum Roberts.
Tampa (Birmingham Express) October 19, 2026 – The American Athletic Conference fixture featuring the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers on the road against the South Florida Bulls on Saturday, 31 October 2026, has been officially selected for national television coverage on ESPNU.
As reported by UAB Athletics Communications of UABSports.com, UAB Athletics confirmed that “kickoff from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is set for 11 a.m. CT (noon ET)” following the network selection announced by conference officials on Monday morning.
“UAB’s American Conference road matchup against South Florida on Saturday, Oct. 31, has been selected for national television on ESPNU, the conference announced Monday.”
— UAB Athletics Communications, UABSports.com
What are the team records and recent form ahead of the kickoff?
Both programs enter the mid-season conference contest following scheduled open weeks on their respective calendars. The UAB Blazers hold a 4-3 overall record and a 2-1 standing in American Athletic Conference play. In their previous outing on 15 October at Protective Stadium, UAB secured a 30-17 come-from-behind win over East Carolina in overtime.
South Florida currently carries a 5-2 overall record alongside a 1-2 conference mark. The Bulls last took to the field on 17 October, securing a 29-2 home victory against Kent State.
“The Blazers enter the contest following a bye week and a dramatic 30-17 come-from-behind overtime victory over East Carolina on Oct. 15 at Protective Stadium. South Florida also enters the matchup following an open week.”
— UAB Athletics Communications, UABSports.com
How can supporters tune into the live broadcast?
Beyond the national television carriage provided by ESPNU, radio coverage for UAB supporters will be available through WJOX 94.5 FM. The broadcast crew features David Crane providing play-by-play commentary, Bryant Turner operating as color analyst, and Landrum Roberts reporting from the sideline at Raymond James Stadium.
Background of the particular development
The scheduling selection by ESPNU marks the sixth all-time meeting on the gridiron between the UAB Blazers and the South Florida Bulls. South Florida currently holds a narrow 3-2 edge in the historical head-to-head series.
Both universities compete within the American Athletic Conference, making the late-October contest pivotal for positioning in the conference standings as the regular season enters its final stretch.
The selection of this matchup for national television reflects broad media interest in AAC conference scheduling, providing enhanced visibility for both athletic departments across North America.
Prediction and potential impact
The national television slot on ESPNU is expected to significantly increase national exposure for student-athletes and football operations at both UAB and South Florida. For the fanbase and alumni network, the 11:00 a.m. CT kickoff time establishes a structured early-day schedule for remote viewing and stadium attendance at Raymond James Stadium.
From a competitive standpoint, the extra preparation afforded by the preceding bye week for both coaching staffs could lead to a highly tactical contest. A win for UAB would strengthen their position in the upper half of the AAC standings, whereas a home victory for South Florida would balance their conference record and propel them closer to postseason bowl eligibility.
