No. 12 Alabama rallies past Kentucky 45-17 in SEC opener

No. 12 Alabama overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Kentucky 45-17 on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. The Crimson Tide scored 32 unanswered points in the second half to secure their ninth consecutive victory over the Wildcats. The game was played at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Alabama trailed 17-13 at the break after a first half in which the offense struggled, managing just 128 total yards and only 5 yards on the ground. The Crimson Tide turned the game around after halftime, outscoring Kentucky 32-0 over the final two quarters. Quarterback Keelon Russell, in his second career start, threw for 188 yards and a touchdown. He also threw two interceptions in the first half but led the offensive resurgence after the break. Running back Daniel Hill was a key contributor, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown. Alabama finished with 343 total yards, including 155 on the ground. Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey, a Notre Dame transfer, threw for 146 yards and a touchdown in his second start. The Wildcats' offense, which had 147 yards in the first half, was held to just 62 yards in the second half.