Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t ignoring where the Crimson Tide are being ranked ahead of the 2026 college football season—but he also isn’t letting those rankings define his team. Speaking during fall camp, DeBoer acknowledged that Alabama is well aware of the lower-than-usual preseason expectations while emphasizing that the focus remains on earning respect on the field rather than worrying about outside opinions. (bamahammer.com)
For a program that has spent much of the past two decades starting seasons in the top five, Alabama’s position outside the nation’s elite in several preseason polls has been a noticeable change. Following an up-and-down 2025 campaign, many analysts believe the Crimson Tide still have questions to answer before being considered legitimate national championship contenders.
DeBoer understands why the rankings look different this year.
“We’re definitely aware,” he said when asked about Alabama’s preseason standing. However, he quickly added that outside rankings carry little significance once the season begins. According to the second-year head coach, what ultimately matters is how the team develops throughout training camp and performs once games begin. (bamahammer.com)
Rather than using the rankings as a source of frustration, DeBoer believes they can provide additional motivation. He stressed that every team starts the season with something to prove, regardless of where they’re ranked, and Alabama is no different.
The Crimson Tide enter 2026 with a talented but relatively young roster. Several key contributors have moved on to the NFL, creating opportunities for younger players and transfers to step into larger roles. Throughout fall camp, DeBoer has repeatedly praised his team’s energy, competitiveness, and willingness to improve each day.
One reason for optimism is Alabama’s recruiting success. The program continues to attract elite talent, including highly regarded freshmen expected to make immediate impacts. Players like five-star running back EJ Crowell have already generated buzz during preseason practices, while experienced veterans provide leadership across the roster.
DeBoer also believes the culture within the program remains one of Alabama’s greatest strengths. Despite the outside skepticism, he has consistently emphasized accountability, discipline, and daily improvement. Those principles helped him build successful programs at previous coaching stops and remain central to his vision in Tuscaloosa.
The Southeastern Conference presents another significant challenge. Week after week, Alabama will face opponents capable of competing for conference and national championships. DeBoer acknowledged that every game requires maximum preparation, regardless of preseason projections.
Historically, Alabama has responded well when expectations are lower than usual. The program has repeatedly turned perceived slights into motivation, using criticism as fuel for successful seasons. DeBoer hopes this year’s team embraces a similar mindset.
Ultimately, preseason rankings are only predictions. They reflect opinions based on returning production, recruiting, and recent performance, but they don’t determine what happens once the season kicks off.
For DeBoer, the message to his players is straightforward: respect is earned through performance, not preseason polls. Alabama may begin the season lower in the rankings than fans are accustomed to, but the Crimson Tide believe they have the talent, coaching, and determination to climb back into the national championship conversation.
If Alabama lives up to its potential, the preseason rankings that sparked so much discussion in August could be little more than a footnote by the end of the 2026 season.
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