# Alabama Crimson Tide football rankings

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-crimson-tide-football-rankings
> Updated: 2026-11-04T22:56:14.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team has experienced fluctuations in national rankings following a loss to Georgia. In mid October, the team remained ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 7 in the Coaches Poll with a 5-1 record.

By early November, after a bye week, the team moved to No. 9 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, holding a 6-2 record. This shift occurred during a period of volatility in college football rankings. 

In the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season, the selection committee placed Alabama at No. 5. This decision drew criticism because Alabama holds a 6-2 record and previously suffered a 16-point loss to Tennessee, who is ranked No. 13. 

College Football Playoff Committee Chair Hunter Yurachek defended the ranking, stating that Alabama’s road victories against Kentucky, South Carolina, and Mississippi State constitute “quality wins.” Yurachek noted that while Tennessee holds a head-to-head win over Alabama, Tennessee lacks a similar level of quality wins on its schedule. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer stated that while players are aware of the news, he has not discussed the specific ranking with them.

## Claims

- Alabama is ranked No. 5 in the first College Football Playoff rankings. (reported by 3 sources)
- Tennessee is ranked No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings. (reported by 1 source)
- Tennessee defeated Alabama by 16 points two weeks ago. (reported by 1 source)
- Alabama has a 6-2 record. (reported by 1 source)
- Kalen DeBoer has not discussed the ranking with Alabama players. (reported by 1 source)
- Alabama defeated Kentucky, South Carolina, and Mississippi State. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Alabama ranked No. 5 in first College Football Playoff rankings

Alabama is ranked No. 5 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, a decision that has sparked debate due to their head-to-head loss to No. 13 Tennessee.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-ranked-no-5-in-first-college-football-playoff-rankings

### 2026-11-01: Alabama football rises to No. 9 in AP and Coaches Polls

Alabama football has risen to No. 9 in the AP and Coaches Polls following its bye week, ahead of an upcoming game against LSU.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-football-rises-to-no-9-in-ap-and-coaches-polls

### 2026-10-11: Alabama football remains No. 6 in AP Poll after Georgia loss

Alabama football maintains its No. 6 AP Poll ranking with a 5-1 record after a loss to Georgia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-football-remains-no-6-in-ap-poll-after-georgia-loss

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Cite as: Alabama Crimson Tide football rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-crimson-tide-football-rankings