Alabama fans are used to hearing the Crimson Tide roar through their game-day radios. This weekend, however, silence might be the loudest sound in Columbia. A surprising FCC snag, worsened by the federal shutdown, has thrown a wrench into Bama’s traditional broadcast setup just days before Kalen DeBoer’s squad faces South Carolina.

In an X post shared by Charlie Potter on October 22, Chris Stewart revealed the issue on the “Hey Coach” show with Kalen DeBoer. The statement announced that fans using wearable game-day radios won’t be able to hear the Alabama-South Carolina matchup. “CTSN and Live Sports Radio regret to announce that the closed-circuit game-day broadcast is not going to be available for this Saturday’s Bama game at South Carolina,” the report stated.

“Unfortunately, the process of licensing these feeds through the FCC has been adversely affected by the federal government shutdown. We’re hopeful that these issues are going to be resolved in the very near future.” Bureaucracy just blitzed one of college football’s most loyal fanbases.

Jim Carabin, VP and GM of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, told the Tuscaloosa News the issue only affects live sports radio apps airing local feeds without delay in South Carolina. Fans back in Tuscaloosa can breathe easy.

TownSquare Media’s Tide 100.9 FM will carry the normal broadcast, and CTSN’s social channels plan to stream it live. Still, for fans who live by those in-ear radios on the road, this shutdown timing couldn’t be worse. The Tide’s radio experience is part of the culture just as much as “Roll Tide” chants or the Million Dollar Band.

Thankfully, ESPN’s got the national coverage locked in, with Joe Tessitore on play-by-play, Jordan Rodgers in the booth, and Katie George patrolling the sidelines. And if you prefer radio, Westwood One and ESPN Radio will both carry live commentary. But with all the off-field chaos cleared up, Kalen DeBoer’s biggest concern remains what happens on the field.

Kalen DeBoer’s warning before the road test

South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers hasn’t exactly lit up the SEC this season, but Kalen DeBoer’s not about to test fate. Alabama, now ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll after four straight wins over ranked SEC foes, hits the road looking to stay hot.

“We’ve faced running backs and guys that are tough to bring down,” the Tide HC said via On3. “But [Sellers] touches the ball every single play. So, you can get to him. That’s one thing. But you also, now, got to get him down… He’s got the speed. He’s got the size. He’s just, he’s super strong. He’s a relentless player. He fights for every yard he can get.”

Inside the Tide’s film room, Kalen DeBoer made it clear his defense can’t take plays off.

“We didn’t even need to see it all because the point was very clear,” he said. “And we’ve gotta make sure our guys continue to rally.” Alabama owns a commanding 14-3 record over South Carolina, including a 4-2 mark in Columbia. Still, the ghosts of 2010, when Steve Spurrier stunned Nick Saban 35-21 linger. 

For the Gamecocks, it’s a shot at redemption. For Kalen DeBoer and Alabama, it’s another test of whether this version of the Tide is truly built for the long haul. Whether the FCC cooperates or not, Saturday’s sound won’t come from radios. It’ll come from how loud Alabama makes its statement.