Alabama ranked No. 13 in 2026 preseason AP Poll
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 4:15 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026

The Alabama Crimson Tide open the 2026 season ranked No. 13 in the AP preseason poll, marking the first time outside the Top 10 since 2008. Alabama is the seventh-highest ranked team in the SEC, trailing Texas, Georgia, and LSU among others. Last season, Alabama finished 11-4 overall after reaching the College Football Playoff quarterfinals under head coach Kalen DeBoer. They will begin the new season at home against East Carolina on September 5 at 11 a.m. CT.
- •Alabama is ranked No. 13 entering the 2026 season.
- •This is Alabama's first season outside the Top 10 since 2008.
- •The SEC has nine teams ranked in the preseason poll.
- •Alabama finished the 2025 season at 11-4 overall.
- •The season opener is against East Carolina on September 5.
- 4:15 PMYahoo Sports — Alabama's preseason AP Poll ranking revealed entering 2026 season
"Alabama begins the 2026 season ranked outside the AP Poll Top 10 for the first time since 2008. Here is where the Crimson Tide begin the year ranked.
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