SEC Announcement: The Southeastern Conference officially announced that the 2025 Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, November 29, 2025, and will be broadcast nationally on ABC. This prime-time kickoff marks the first night game for the rivalry since 2014, returning one of college football's greatest matchups to prime-time television after more than a decade of afternoon slots.
Historic Return to Prime Time
After eleven consecutive Iron Bowls played in afternoon time slots, the 2025 matchup will return to primetime television. The 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff represents a significant shift from Alabama's recent pattern against Auburn, with the last night game between these rivals occurring on November 29, 2014, when Alabama defeated Auburn 55-44.
The decision to schedule this game in prime time reflects the massive stakes surrounding the 2025 Iron Bowl. With Alabama fighting for College Football Playoff survival and Auburn competing for bowl eligibility, the SEC recognized the national significance of this matchup and selected the prime-time slot to maximize viewership.
What This Means for Both Teams
Alabama: Everything on the Line
For Alabama, the 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff adds another layer of complexity to a must-win game. After falling to Oklahoma 23-21, the Crimson Tide are now dependent on victory in this Iron Bowl to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
- • CFP ranking dropped from #4 to #10
- • ESPN model gives 84% playoff probability if they win out
- • Playing in a night game at hostile Jordan-Hare
- • First night game at Auburn since 2014
Auburn: Prime-Time Advantage
Auburn will benefit from the prime-time home crowd advantage at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The night game atmosphere historically favors the home team in the SEC, and Auburn will be looking to spoil Alabama's season while securing their own bowl eligibility.
- • Playing at home under the lights
- • Need one more win for bowl eligibility
- • DJ Durkin leading team as interim HC
- • Crowd noise advantage in night game
The Night Game Factor: Home Field Advantage
SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum noted that the 6:30 p.m. CT nighttime kickoff may present additional challenges for Alabama traveling to Auburn. Night games at Jordan-Hare Stadium create a unique atmosphere with amplified crowd noise, which can impact Alabama's offensive communication and execution.
A Decade Away from Prime Time
The last time these rivals played in a night game was November 29, 2014, when Alabama dominated Auburn 55-44 in Tuscaloosa. The decision to return to prime time reflects not only the competitive importance of the matchup but also the national interest in the Iron Bowl rivalry.
Since 2014, the Iron Bowl has been played in the traditional 2:30 p.m. CT afternoon slot during each of the past ten seasons, making this return to prime time historically significant for the rivalry.
Television Details
2025 Iron Bowl Official Information
- Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM CT
- Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
- Television: ABC (National Broadcast)
- Series: 90th Annual Iron Bowl
- Significance: First prime-time night game since 2014
Why Prime Time Matters
Prime-time games command larger national audiences and greater media attention. By selecting the 6:30 p.m. CT slot, the SEC ensured that college football fans across the country will have the opportunity to watch what could be a season-defining matchup for both programs.
For Alabama, a win secures their spot in the SEC Championship game and dramatically improves their College Football Playoff chances. For Auburn, a victory not only provides bowl eligibility but also serves as a statement win under interim head coach DJ Durkin that could impact his candidacy for the permanent coaching position.
Looking Ahead to November 29
With Alabama hosting Eastern Illinois on November 22 and Auburn facing Mercer on November 22, both teams will have one week to prepare for the prime-time showdown at Jordan-Hare. The return of the Iron Bowl to prime-time television sets the stage for one of the most compelling matchups in the rivalry's recent history, with multiple storylines and high stakes for both programs heading into the final week of the regular season.