Alabama’s 2026 Football Outlook Rises in National Rankings
The 2026 US LBM Coaches Poll has placed the Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 11, a spot that reflects both the team’s recent achievements and the high expectations surrounding the program. Ohio State continues to dominate the preseason conversation, holding the top spot with 38 first‑place votes, while programs such as Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame and Indiana each garnered at least one vote, underscoring the depth of competition.
The Tide closed out the 2025 campaign with an 11‑4 record, a performance that earned them a No. 9 final ranking before a playoff quarterfinal defeat to Indiana. That loss did not dim the optimism, as the coaching staff and players have built momentum heading into the new year.
Alabama is one of nine SEC teams represented in the poll, joining Georgia, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, LSU, Tennessee and Missouri. The conference’s footprint is further highlighted by a preseason media poll that projects the Crimson Tide to finish sixth in the SEC, a placement that many analysts view as a realistic benchmark given the talent returning.
The opening test will come on September 5, when Alabama travels to face East Carolina. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. on ABC, marking the first of what should be a demanding schedule that includes matchups against several ranked opponents.