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3 reasons why Alabama could make deep CFP run in 2026, 3 why not
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- 3 reasons why Alabama could make deep CFP run in 2026, 3 why not
There is no denying the Alabama Crimson Tide have a number of question marks surrounding the roster entering the 2026 season. Even in spite of that, the program could still be good enough to compete for a national title this fall.
Entering Year 3 of the Kalen DeBoer era, Alabama is in an interesting spot roster-wise as it approaches fall camp. The Crimson Tide boast a team that features a number of experienced veterans, as well as some newer faces who have yet to break out at the collegiate level.
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Alabama is also tasked with replacing a number of prominent starters on both sides of the ball, including at quarterback, the offensive line, and others.
There are some unknowns regarding just how good Alabama can be in 2026, though. Yes, the Crimson Tide could struggle at times, particular early in the season, but they could also be one of college football's best this fall, finding themselves making a deep run toward a title in the College Football Playoff.
Taking a look at the Crimson Tide's roster in particular, here are three reasons why Alabama could make a deep CFP run toward a national title in 2026, as well as three reasons why they might not.
Why: Alabama secondary might be college football's best
Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Red Morgan (16) and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) celebrate after making a stop for no gain during the game with Oklahoma Sooners at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Alabama boasted one of college football's top secondaries a year ago, and with all five starters from the end of last season returning in 2026, there is certainly reason to believe the Crimson Tide's defensive back room could be the best in the country. Among that position group, Bray Hubbard , Zabien Brown , and Keon Sabb are all marquee names in college football, and the same will likely happen for both Dijon Lee Jr. and Red Morgan in 2026, if they aren't already there.
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Why Not: Alabama offensive line too big of an unknown
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive linemen Jayvin James and Michael Carroll drop to block at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
While there is no denying the amount of talent the unit has, the Crimson Tide's offensive line is still a huge unknown entering the fall due to lack of starting experience. Time will only tell the impact that could have in 2026. A group that returns only one starter in Michael Carroll, Alabama's offensive line will have to improve in 2026 if the Crimson Tide wish to contend for a title.
Why: Quarterback can be difference-maker for Tide
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack prepares to take a snap at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
In today's college football, elite play at the quarterback position is required to win a national title more times than not, and there is potential for Alabama to receive just that this fall. There is a bit of an unknown surrounding both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell due to lack of starting experience, but both have ample talent and will have a deep wide receiver room to work with. That should put the Crimson Tide in a good spot no matter who wins the starting job.
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Why Not: Tide counting on huge bounce back from run game
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) runs against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Alabama's running game last season was one of the program's worst, ranking next to last in the SEC at an average of 104.1 yards per game. The Crimson Tide have made some additions to the group like top freshman EJ Crowell, and there is certainly reason to believe the unit could have a bounce-back 2026 campaign, but they will also be doing so behind a brand new offensive line. That makes it a huge unknown.
Why: Alabama's pass rush should be elite
OklahomaÕs John Mateer (10) is pressured by AlabamaÕs Yhonzae Pierre (42) in the second half of the College Football Playoff game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday Dec. 19, 2025.
Similar to strong quarterback play, an impactful pass rush can go a long way in making a team a contender, as we've seen with past Alabama title-winning teams. The Crimson Tide's unit this fall should be elite. Leading the way will be one of college football's best pass rushers in Yhonzae Pierre , while Justin Hill and South Carolina transfer Desmond Umeozulu are also featured in a group that should be very impactful.
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Why Not: Inexperience at inside linebacker for Tide
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker QB Reese (36) breaks away from Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Jayvin James (54) to put pressure on Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Austin Mack (10) at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
Lastly, there's another position where starting experience is a question mark for the Crimson Tide, and it comes at one of the most important on defense: inside linebacker. Caleb Woodson, a transfer from Virginia Tech , could be a key player in 2026, but the Crimson Tide will need someone to emerge like QB Reese, Cayden Jones or Luke Metz, among others.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 reasons why Alabama could make deep CFP run in 2026, 3 why not
