As the anticipation for the 2026 college football season builds, Alabama Football’s position in the early USA TODAY Rankings has been revealed. The Crimson Tide have landed at No. 11, falling outside the top ten.
Alabama’s Recent Performance
This ranking, released ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship, comes on the heels of a challenging season for Alabama. The team experienced its second consecutive four-loss season in 2025. Despite this, Alabama managed a commendable 10-2 record in the regular season and reached the SEC Championship Game. They also claimed victory in a College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma.
However, the season concluded on a sour note with a significant 38-3 defeat in the Rose Bowl against the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers. Analysts Paul Myerberg and Erick Smith emphasized that this loss highlighted critical issues in both offensive and defensive strategies.
Challenges Ahead for Coach Kalen DeBoer
Coach Kalen DeBoer now faces growing pressure following two difficult seasons. The offensive line has been identified as a crucial area for improvement. To address this, Alabama has brought in transfers Ty Haywood and Kaden Strayhorn from Michigan.
The quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell vying for the starting position. Additionally, the running game must show significant improvement moving forward.
Key Players to Watch
- Ryan Williams (Wide Receiver) – Needs to return to peak performance.
- Yhonzae Pierre (Defensive Player) – A critical component of the defense.
- Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb (Secondary) – Experienced players expected to play pivotal roles.
Alabama’s 2026 Schedule
The Crimson Tide’s 2026 season kicks off on September 5 against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium. With the SEC’s shift to a nine-game conference schedule, Alabama’s SEC opener is scheduled for Week 2 against Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington.
Their early schedule includes notable matchups, such as hosting Florida State in Week 3 and facing South Carolina, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Chattanooga at home. The season culminates with the Iron Bowl against Auburn on November 28 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
2026 Key Matchups
- September 5 – vs. East Carolina (Home)
- September 12 – @ Kentucky (Away)
- September 19 – vs. Florida State (Home)
- November 28 – vs. Auburn (Iron Bowl, Home)
As the 2026 season approaches, the Alabama Crimson Tide will look to address past challenges and reclaim their dominance in college football. Keep following El-Balad for the latest updates and coverage on Alabama Football.
