As the 2025 season officially closed with the Indiana Hoosiers crowned CFP Champions, the conversation into the 2026 college football season began immediately. Early rankings have sparked debate. Rather than being highly ranked in the "way too early" polls like in years past, the Crimson Tide sits outside the top 10 in most projections. This reflects a shift in perception for one of, if not the most, consistent brands in college football.
- USA Today: No.11- this is the highest placement in the way too early rankings.
- CBS Sports: No. 15 in its early top 25.
- On3: No. 17 on its way too early list.
- The Athletic: No. 20 in its projections
- ESPN: No. 21- which is the lowest ranking on this list. I thought the playoff critics said ESPN was way too biased towards Alabama? Doesn't seem so here.
Critics are correct in early doubts about Alabama in 2026 due to many unknowns
These rankings may have some fans feeling like the program is being snubbed, but a closer look shows a more nuanced reality. With Ty Simpson leaving for the draft, and an upcoming QB competition this offense, there are questions that need to be answered before next season. These rankings don't say that Alabama is falling off or the program is collapsing; they are based on the unknowns heading into Kalen Deboer's third year.
The unknown at quarterback is just the first question that is causing poll makers to proceed with caution when ranking Alabama. Offensive continuity is an unknown in general. There is going to be a completely different offensive line for the Tide next season. The running back position is going to have to be carried by Daniel Hill, AK Dear, and incoming freshman Ezavier Crowell. Someone is going to have to step up at the receiver position as well, with Isiah Horton transferring. Can Ryan Williams rebound after his slump this past season?
There is no question that Alabama has the talent on the roster, but poll makers are cautious about how this talent is going to come together on the Alabama offense.
Defensively, Alabama remains respected in these polls, but even that side of the ball carries questions. Turnover at the linebacker position is an unknown for next year. Deontae Lawson is going to leave a hole in the middle of the field, and with leadership in the locker room for the Tide. The common thread across these rankings is not knocking Alabama's talent, but rather highlighting the uncertainty surrounding it.
These polls reward clarity. Alabama doesn't have that yet, which is okay. These lists are less about ceilings for teams and more about the floors. They reflect what has been proven, not what's possible.
The Tide hasn't even taken the field yet for a game in 2026, and most of these questions won't clear up till fall camp. Alabama has lived in this space before. Plenty of Alabama football offseasons have begun with more questions than answers, with the end of season results providing definitive answers.
Alabama isn't being written off. It is being evaluated honestly in a sport that no longer hands out the benefit of the doubt. When teams are getting older and signing more transfer portal players, Alabama is turning to the youth to sustain success over a longer period of time. And for a program that is built on hard work and earning everything, the 2026 season is going to be a familiar challenge.