Alabama Football: 2026 Crimson Tide Season Preview and Prediction

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer believes that his team took a step forward in his second season, appearing in the SEC Championship Game and winning a College Football Playoff game for the first time since the 2021 season. But a season bookended by embarrassing losses to Florida State in the opener and then to Georgia in the SEC championship and Indiana in the College Football Playoff left a sour taste in the mouths of Tide fans, who are expecting better results in Year 3.

ORDER NOW: 2026 Athlon Sports College Football Preview Guide

Alabama 2026 Season Preview and Prediction

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer walks on field before the 2026 Rose Bowl.Gary A&period; Vasquez-Imagn Images

Previewing Alabama’s Offense for 2026

Remember when Ryan Williams was a 17-year-old phenom early in the 2024 season? Now he’s a junior and Alabama’s most experienced returning offensive player — and he’s looking for a fresh start. He’s now Ryan Coleman-Williams and wears a new jersey number (1) after a rocky sophomore season marred by one of the nation’s highest drop rates.

He’ll have a different quarterback throwing him passes this season, with fourth-year Austin Mack and second-year Keelon Russell in a competition to replace Ty Simpson. But it’s Alabama’s offensive line and running game where the focus lies after the Crimson Tide averaged 3.4 yards per carry in 2025, their third-worst mark since 1970. The offensive
line, which lost Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford to the NFL draft, is leaning on 2025 5-star recruit Michael Carroll to anchor a group that dipped heavily into the portal this offseason for help.

Alabama is also sorting through several options in its backfield, which is led by bruising Daniel Hill and added 5-star freshman EJ Crowell.

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Keon Sabb (3).Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previewing Alabama’s Defense for 2026

If you’re doing some early scouting for the 2027 NFL Draft, Alabama’s defense features at least two players who could be first-round picks next year — outside linebacker Yhonzae Pierre and cornerback Zabien Brown. The decision by Pierre to return for his fourth season bolsters a front that suffered significant losses to the draft or transfer portal.

The Tide’s defense was overpowered in a Rose Bowl loss to Indiana, prompting a search for bigger bodies. Oregon’s Terrance Green (6-foot-5, 319) and USC’s Devan Thompkins (6-foot-5, 298) are the headliners of the portal class, and Alabama needs an impact from Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson at an otherwise inexperienced inside linebacker spot.

In contrast, the secondary remains almost intact, with plenty of experience at safety in Bray Hubbard (fourth year) and Keon Sabb (fifth year).

Previewing Alabama’s Specialists for 2026

Special teams struggles proved costly last season, including some key missed kicks by Conor Talty. Talty decided to remain at Alabama for a fourth season but is facing competition from Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn. The Tide will have a new punter — either second-year Alex Asparuhov or FCS North Alabama transfer Adam Watford.

National Ranking: 15

SEC Prediction: 7

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos