Spring practice concluded earlier this month across college football, and USA TODAY Sports’ post-spring rankings see the Alabama Crimson Tide in a different spot than before.
Alabama fell one spot to No. 12 in top 25 rankings by veteran college football analysts Erick Smith and Paul Myerberg, the first batch of rankings released by USA TODAY Sports since its initial way-too-early list the day after the College Football Playoff National Championship in January.
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The Crimson Tide are one spot below Texas A&M and one spot ahead of Michigan in the new rankings. Alabama will meet the Aggies in the regular season on Oct. 24 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Myerberg laid out a few areas that have coach Kalen DeBoer’s attention — if not his concern — entering his third season in Tuscaloosa:
“The focus of spring practice was the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Mack has more experience in the system, however Russell is more dynamic and shined in the team’s spring game. That battle will be one to watch in the fall. Two other areas that has Kalen DeBoer’s attention are improving a dismal running game and getting receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams back to his game-breaking best.”
How bad was Alabama’s rushing attack last season? The Tide ranked second to last in the SEC in rushing yards per game (104.13), just a whip and a whisker above LSU‘s 104.0. Daniel Hill was arguably the best back in short-yardage situations last year and is entering his junior season in 2026.
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Alabama’s front seven, meanwhile, is another concern for DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, Myerberg writes.
Ole Miss and Southern California are two teams that jumped Alabama in USA TODAY Sports’ post-spring rankings. The Crimson Tide moved ahead of one team, though: Texas Tech. The Red Raiders saw an eight-point drop to No. 15.
The Trojans and Crimson Tide finished with the nation’s Nos. 1 and 2 recruiting classes, respectively, for the class of 2026 according to 247Sports.
Ranking 2026 SEC football teams after spring practice
Oct 11, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; SEC logo seen on a chain marker during the third quarter of the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Florida Gators at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
The SEC had eight teams in the top 25 of USA TODAY Sports’ post-spring rankings. Here’s a look at which teams were ranked, and where.
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Alabama football schedule 2026
Alabama will open the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Here’s a full look at the Crimson Tide’s 2026 regular-season schedule. Kickoff times and TV channel designations have not been announced.
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Sept. 5: vs. East Carolina
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football dips in USA TODAY Sports post-spring top 25 rankings
