According to ESPN's Football Power Index, the 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide had college football's second-toughest schedule. Only the Wisconsin Badgers played a more difficult schedule. Playing Georgia and Oklahoma twice, plus Indiana, were the major factors behind Alabama's high Strength of Schedule (SOS).
Though rival SEC fans claim otherwise, the Crimson Tide program is accustomed to high SOS rankings. Three out of the most recent five seasons, Alabama has had the toughest schedule among SEC teams. In those three seasons, among all FBA teams, the Crimson Tide's SOS was No. 1, No. 2, and No. 2.
These facts are conveniently ignored in recent claims that Alabama will 'duck out' of its future scheduled games against Ohio State. The SEC going to nine conference games is enough to amp up the scheduling difficulty, without the need for a high-profile out-of-conference contest.
What about 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide schedule?
Preseason schedule rankings can be as flawed as preseason team rankings. A quick Google search can reveal Alabama's 2026 schedule projected as the eighth-toughest among SEC teams and even the No. 13 SEC SOS. The source for the No. 8, SEC SOS, also claimed that Alabama's most difficult game would be against Vanderbilt in Nashville. With Alabama having road games against LSU and Tennessee, plus Georgia and Texas A&M coming to Tuscaloosa, that take is comical.
Alabama's 2026 schedule does provide one considerable advantage. The Crimson Tide will be favored in its first five games. Even with two away from home, Alabama should be double-digit favorites in all five games. Easing into the 2026 schedule is a perfect ramp-up for a new starting quarterback and a new and rebuilt offensive line.
After the five-week runup, Alabama will face what can be called a gauntlet: Georgia in Tuscaloosa, at Tennessee, Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa, at LSU, and at Vanderbilt. The Vols and the Commodores may not prove to be more than gritty underdogs, but the other three games should be true challenges.
Alabama fans should be able to enjoy a 5-0 Crimson Tide greeting the Georgia Bulldogs on Oct. 10.