It's still a long way away, but the start of the 2021 college football campaign is going to be highly anticipated.
Alabama and Miami will meet in the 2021 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Hurricanes announced Monday. As it stands, it will be the first time in 28 years the teams have met.
"We are excited to kick off the 2021 season against Alabama in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game," Miami head coach Mark Richt said. "Both teams have great tradition. We are looking forward to the battle."
The Crimson Tide have made a habit of scheduling top-notch opponents to open their season, as Nick Saban and Co. have met Florida State, USC, and Wisconsin over the past three years.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to open another season in Atlanta for the 2021 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game," Saban said. "Our team and our fans have always enjoyed playing in Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a fantastic competitive environment. This event always has the feel of a bowl game and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl staff has made it a first-class event. We have a lot of respect for Coach Richt and the Miami program, and we look forward to a great game in 2021."
The game makes it 13 matchups between the SEC and ACC since the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game began in 2008.