Alabama Crimson Tide Prepares for 2026 College Football Season

As the Alabama Crimson Tide gears up for the 2026 college football season, the team is looking to bounce back from a challenging period under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who received a seven-year contract extension after finishing last season with an 11-4 record and reaching the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

Alabama boasts one of the top secondaries in the nation, ranked second by PFF, with four returning starters, including cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. and safeties Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, all of whom are highly regarded in their positions. However, the team faces significant challenges in its run game, having struggled last season with low rankings in run rate and yards per carry.

The quarterback position is a focal point of competition, with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell vying for the starting role. Mack has limited experience, while Russell, a highly touted recruit, showed promise during spring practices. Additionally, wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams aims for a comeback after a disappointing sophomore year, despite having impressive statistics from previous seasons.