Alabama’s football program enters its third year under head coach Kalen DeBoer, a tenure marked by a clear directive: the size of the College Football Playoff field is secondary to the team’s ability to win on the field.
Despite finishing the previous season outside the top tier of the final CFP rankings, the Crimson Tide was placed No. 9, a reflection of both the committee’s evaluation and the coach’s insistence that performance, not perception, should dictate inclusion.
DeBoer has repeatedly told peers and media that the playoff should reward the best teams, regardless of how many slots are available, and that the selection process must prioritize on‑field achievement.
A New Era for the Crimson Tide
The SEC’s recent shift to a nine‑game conference schedule adds a layer of complexity to evaluating team strength, as traditional metrics are stretched across a tighter slate of matchups.
Coach DeBoer acknowledges the challenge, noting that the new format demands a more nuanced understanding of each program’s progress throughout the year.
September Opener Against East Carolina
The Crimson Tide will open the 2026 season on September 5 at 11 a.m., hosting East Carolina in a game that will serve as the first test of DeBoer’s philosophy in a full‑speed environment.