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Alabama Lands at No. 5 in First CFP Rankings Despite Two Losses

Alabama’s early College Football Playoff push took a notable step forward as the Crimson Tide secured the No. 5 ranking in the first CFP rankings of the 2026 season, despite already recording two losses.

With a 6-2 record overall and a 4-2 mark in SEC play, head coach Kalen DeBoer’s squad has managed to carve out a strong resume, highlighted by victories over Kentucky, Florida State, South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M. The 45-17 win over Kentucky stands out as a key win, as the Wildcats also sit at No.

6 in the rankings, giving Alabama a valuable head-to-head advantage over another top SEC program. Though the Tide faced setbacks against Georgia and Tennessee, they rebounded with a 31-20 victory over Texas A&M, demonstrating resilience heading into November.

Their next challenge comes against LSU on November 7, a matchup that could further solidify their playoff credentials. With games against Vanderbilt and Auburn remaining, Alabama now has a clear opportunity to strengthen its playoff case—though another loss could complicate their path in the expanded 12-team field.

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