The Samford Bulldogs (1-3) visit the UAB Blazers (2-2) on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN+ (streaming). No point spread, moneyline or total had been posted at research time, so the odds are listed as TBD below. Below is our Samford vs UAB preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Samford vs UAB Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Samford at UAB |
| Records | Samford 1-3 · UAB 2-2 |
| Spread | TBD |
| Moneyline | TBD |
| Total | TBD |
| Venue | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 3:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN+ (streaming) |
| Head Coaches | Samford: HC John Grass, OC John Grass · UAB: HC Alex Mortensen, OC Alex Mortensen |
Samford Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Samford Bulldogs are 1-3 overall, 1-1 in SoCon play. Results to date: Aug 29 — L 22-10 at North Alabama (neutral site); Sep 3 — L 22-18 vs Southern Illinois; Sep 12 — L 45-19 at Tennessee Tech; Sep 26 — W 45-7 vs VMI. Most recently, Samford beat VMI 45-7 at home. Through 4 games, Samford is averaging 23.0 points scored and 24.0 points allowed per game.
Head coach: John Grass (first season in charge). John Grass also serves as offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinators: Mickey Conn / Aashon Larkins.
Strengths: Momentum from a 45-7 win over VMI. Questions: Handling a road trip to Protective Stadium.
UAB Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The UAB Blazers are 2-2 overall, 1-0 in American play. Results to date: Sep 3 — L 42-23 at Illinois; Sep 12 — W 26-20 vs UL Monroe; Sep 19 — L 21-14 at Louisiana; Sep 25 — W 24-20 vs Navy. Most recently, UAB beat Navy 24-20 at home. Through 4 games, UAB is averaging 21.8 points scored and 25.8 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Alex Mortensen (head coach since 2025). Alex Mortensen also serves as offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator: Todd Grantham.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Ryder Burton (QB) — 54/92, 652 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT
- Rushing leader: Rod Robinson II (RB) — 60 carries, 263 yards
- Receiving leader: Ty Mims (WR) — 12 receptions, 196 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Jo'Tavion Pierce (DB) — 2.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Muaaz Byard (LB) — 42 total tackles
Strengths: Momentum from a 24-20 win over Navy. Questions: A defense allowing 25.8 points per game.
How to Watch Samford vs UAB
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET
- Venue: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
- TV / Streaming: ESPN+ (streaming)
Odds: No DraftKings line posted via ESPN as of September 28, 2026 (TBD). Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.