This preview magazine thinks Alabama is a ‘national title contender’

While a number of preseason prognosticators are hedging their bets on Alabama football, one prominent voice is betting on the Crimson Tide to contend for a title. In his latest Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, the veteran analyst offers a much more optimistic outlook for the 2026 campaign than other outlets, including Athlon Sports.

A Contender in the Making

Steele slots Alabama at No. 3 in the SEC, trailing only Texas and Georgia. While the Tide finished the previous year with 11 wins, the season was defined by a difficult SEC championship loss to Georgia and a defeat against Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Despite that ending, Steele is bullish on the team's trajectory under Kalen DeBoer, now entering his third year at the helm.

"Bama fans were not happy losing the SEC title game and ‘only’ getting to the second round of the playoffs, but DeBoer has a national title contender this year," Steele wrote.

Rising in the Rankings

Steele designated Alabama as his No. 1 surprise team for the upcoming season, ranking them No. 8 in his national poll—a stark contrast to critics who suggest the Tide might miss the College Football Playoff entirely.

A key variable in this success will be the quarterback competition. As Austin Mack and Keelon Russell battle for the starting job to replace Ty Simpson, Steele remains confident: "A first-year starting QB did well for them last year, and one will do well this year."

Steele’s national top five heading into the fall features Notre Dame at the top, followed by Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and Indiana. Alabama sits comfortably in the mix, with Oregon and Miami as the only other teams ranked ahead of them, while Texas Tech and BYU round out his top 10.

Recognized Talent

Steele’s respect for the program extends to his preseason All-American selections. Cornerback Zabien Brown earned a spot on the first-team unit, while safety Bray Hubbard was tabbed for the second team. Wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams also earned recognition, securing a place on the third team.

The stage is nearly set for the action to begin. The Crimson Tide will report for preseason camp in early August before kicking off the 2026 schedule on September 5 against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium. SEC play begins the following week with a trip to Kentucky, shortly followed by a high-stakes rematch in Tuscaloosa against Florida State.