Alabama Crimson Tide news and notes:
Alabama is ranked No. 5 in the initial CFP poll
The biggest surprise of the first College Football Playoff poll was that Alabama was ranked No. 5, four spots above where it was ranked in this week's AP Poll. Some theorized that the Crimson Tide would be as low as 13th, with most "experts" believing they would be on the outside looking in for the first rankings.
Instead, the playoff committee has Alabama in a position where it might have an unexpected additional mulligan. Perhaps this weekend's game at LSU is no longer a do-or-die spot for Kalen DeBoer and his team. There is a real path to 9-3 Alabama getting into the College Football Playoff.
As expected, the national media crashed out over Alabama's ranking. The Tide continues to live rent-free in the heads of many.
CFP chair Hunter Yurachek explained that Alabama's two Top 25 wins over Kentucky and South Carolina - both of which were blowouts - along with the win over a fully healthy Mississippi State team - tilted the scales for the Crimson Tide being ranked so high.
Terrance Green and Ryan Coleman-Williams trending toward a return at LSU
During Alabama player interviews on Wednesday, two significant hints were dropped for a pair of injured Tide players making their return to the field this weekend at LSU.
First, Yhonzae Pierre stated that DT Terrance Green was "back." Green has missed the last two games plus the second half against Georgia, and Alabama's run defense has not been the same without him. His potential return would be a really big deal for the Tide's defense.
Then, Rico Scott dropped a hint that Ryan Coleman-Williams was also back:
Rico Scott after Tuesday practice:
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) November 3, 2026
"[Ryan Coleman-Williams] is back, but I feel like everyone else in the offense still has to step up, no matter who's playing or who's not."
🔗 https://t.co/B6evpVfdC7 pic.twitter.com/oIwR2uYmOF
Additionally, starting center Racin Delgatty was spotted in practice videos. Alabama is trending toward being as healthy as it has been since before the Georgia game.
Alabama men's basketball rolls to 96-74 win over Sam Houston
Alabama basketball opened the season on Tuesday night at home against Sam Houston, and Nate Oats' team got off to a tremendous start with a 96-74 win that wasn't that close. Sam Houston had a nice run at the end of the game to make the final score closer than it was.
London Jemison and Drew Fielder led the way for Alabama with 15 points each. The story of the night was the defense. Alabama came up with 17 steals and 10 blocked shots in a performance that would have looked even more dominant if the Bearkats didn't knock down 15 three-pointers.
Alabama will be back at Coleman Coliseum on Friday night to face Arkansas State.
Alabama women's basketball opens Pauline Love era with win over Queens
The Pauline Love era got off to a hot start with Alabama women's basketball rolling to a 92-56 win over Queens on Monday night.
Kylie Torrence led the Crimson Tide with 16 points. Ace Austin (15), Amirah Anderson (14), Aaliyah Roberson (10), and Mykelle Richards (10) also finished in double-figures.
Alabama has games on back-to-back days on Wednesday and Thursday this week, facing New Orleans and Alabama A&M at home.
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