Alabama Opens At No. 13 In First AP College Football Poll

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (BuzzReport)— The Alabama Crimson Tide will enter the 2026 college football season ranked No. 13 in the first Associated Press preseason Top 25, giving head coach Kalen DeBoer and his team an early challenge as they prepare for another demanding season in the Southeastern Conference.

For Alabama, the No. 13 ranking represents an unusual starting point for one of college football’s most recognizable programs. The Crimson Tide has spent years beginning seasons among the nation’s elite, but this year’s preseason ranking places Alabama outside the top 10 and leaves plenty of room for the team to climb.

The ranking also sets the stage for what could become one of the most intriguing seasons of the DeBoer era.

Alabama enters the season with high expectations, but there are significant questions surrounding the Crimson Tide after substantial roster turnover. The team will be counting on returning veterans, talented newcomers and several young players to fill important roles.

One of the biggest storylines will be at quarterback, where Alabama is preparing for a new starter and a new chapter in the offense.

With the Crimson Tide beginning at No. 13, every game will carry additional importance. A strong opening stretch could quickly propel Alabama into the top 10, while an early stumble could make the climb considerably more difficult.

The 2026 Preseason AP Top 25

The first preseason AP Top 25 features a familiar collection of college football powerhouses.

1. Ohio State
2. Oregon
3. Georgia
4. Notre Dame
5. Texas
6. Indiana
7. Miami
8. Texas A&M
9. Ole Miss
10. Oklahoma
11. LSU
12. Texas Tech
13. Alabama
14. USC
15. Michigan
16. Clemson
17. BYU
18. Florida
19. Louisville
20. Tennessee
21. South Carolina
22. Iowa
23. North Carolina
24. Arizona State
25. Missouri

The rankings immediately demonstrate just how competitive the 2026 season could be.

The SEC alone has multiple teams positioned near the top of the national rankings, creating a difficult path for Alabama. Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma and LSU all begin ahead of the Crimson Tide, while Tennessee and Missouri are also ranked.

That means Alabama won’t have to simply win games—it will have to win against highly ranked competition to make a serious push toward the top of the poll.

Alabama Has Plenty Of Room To Climb

Being ranked No. 13 isn’t necessarily a negative for Alabama.

In fact, it could provide the Crimson Tide with additional motivation.

A team ranked outside the top 10 has an opportunity to make a statement almost immediately. A convincing victory over a quality opponent can create a major jump in the AP rankings, particularly if teams ranked ahead of Alabama lose.

The Crimson Tide’s goal, however, extends far beyond simply reaching the top 10.

Alabama wants to compete for the SEC championship and secure a place in the College Football Playoff.

To accomplish that, the Crimson Tide will need consistency, strong quarterback play, improved defensive performance and the ability to win close games against elite competition.

Fans Will Get Their Own Chance To Make Predictions

College football fans will also have an opportunity to put their ranking skills to the test through the new and improved AP Top 25 Fan Poll.

Voting begins September 1, allowing fans to predict what they believe the next official AP Top 25 will look like.

The Fan Poll results will be released September 8 at 2 p.m. ET, alongside the first regular-season AP Top 25 rankings.

That gives Alabama fans an interesting question to answer:

Where should Alabama really be ranked?

Is No. 13 too low? Is it about right? Or will the Crimson Tide prove during the opening weeks of the season that it belongs among the nation’s top five teams?

The Real Rankings Begin Soon

Preseason rankings are important for generating excitement, but they don’t count toward the final standings.

Once the season begins, Alabama will have to prove its ranking on the field.

The Crimson Tide has an opportunity to turn No. 13 into a temporary starting point rather than a prediction of where the season will end.

For DeBoer, the challenge is clear.

Alabama has the talent, tradition and national expectations to make a run at the top of college football.

Now, the Crimson Tide has to prove it.

The preseason poll gives Alabama a number. The season will determine what that number really means.