Alabama named College Football’s most overrated team

Alabama named College Football’s most overrated team

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Alabama named College Football’s most overrated team

The college football season is quickly approaching, and one of the biggest debates centers on which teams will make, or miss, the College Football Playoff. With an expanded field, it stands to reason that more teams will have a realistic path back to the postseason.

However, some programs face significant questions as they try to return to the playoff. One of them is the Alabama Crimson Tide. After making the playoff last season, Alabama lost a substantial amount of talent to the NFL Draft.

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Now, USA Today has named the Alabama Crimson Tide the most overrated team entering the 2026 season.

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer talks with quarterback Austin Mack (10) before the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“The Crimson Tide lost 15 starters, 10 of them NFL Draft picks from 2025, including first-round selections Kadyn Proctor (No. 12) and QB Ty Simpson (No. 13). That specific loss, plus significant departures along an underperforming OL, and a very demanding schedule makes the odds long the 11th-ranked Tide return to the CFP.” John Brice wrote of Alabama.

Needless to say, Brice raises several valid points. Maintaining stability and continuity is especially difficult in college football. Between the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, rosters are constantly changing.

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Head coach Kalen DeBoer has been under the microscope throughout the offseason. There were even rumors that Alabama boosters considered buying out his contract after just one week last season. The good news for Alabama is that DeBoer has guided a team to the College Football Playoff before.

Nov 29, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer protests a personal foul call against the Crimson Tide during the game with Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

DeBoer did an excellent job at Washington, leading the Huskies to a national championship game appearance. That success is a major reason Alabama chose him to succeed Nick Saban despite his lack of extensive SEC ties.

This is the SEC, however, and DeBoer coaches a program with a fan base accustomed to competing for conference and national championships every season.

Whether it’s fair or not, DeBoer will face immense pressure to lead Alabama back to the College Football Playoff. If the Crimson Tide fall short, it could make for a long offseason in Tuscaloosa.

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