Alabama football isn’t accustomed to being overlooked.
For most of the Nick Saban era, the Crimson Tide entered every season as a national championship favorite. Now, heading into Year 3 under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama is getting a very different treatment.
The Crimson Tide debuted at No. 11 in the preseason Coaches Poll, its lowest preseason ranking in that poll since 2008.
DeBoer doesn’t seem particularly bothered.
Asked about preseason rankings, the Alabama coach essentially dismissed their importance, pointing toward what happens once the season actually begins. And maybe that’s exactly the mentality Alabama needs.
Because the disrespect is starting to pile up.
Alabama isn’t even inside the preseason top 10. Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Ole Miss are all ranked ahead of the Crimson Tide, meaning Alabama enters the year as just the sixth-highest-ranked SEC team.
For Alabama?
That’s almost unheard of.
And perhaps everyone is getting a little too comfortable assuming the dynasty is completely dead.
Yes, Alabama has legitimate questions. There will be a new starting quarterback, major changes along the offensive line and turnover on the defensive front. Those uncertainties help explain why voters aren’t treating this roster like vintage Alabama.
But there’s still an enormous amount of talent in Tuscaloosa, and DeBoer has already proven he can beat elite competition. Entering 2026, he owns a 20-5 career record against AP-ranked opponents and a 7-2 record against top-10 teams.
Maybe No. 11 ends up being justified.
Or maybe college football just gave Alabama something it hasn’t had very often over the past two decades:
A reason to feel disrespected.
If DeBoer needed something to put on the bulletin board entering fall camp, the rest of the country just handed it to him.
Don’t be shocked if Alabama comes into 2026 looking for vengeance.
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