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2026-08-08 21:58 UTC → 2026-08-20 02:23 UTC ·
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During media day for the 2026 season, The Alabama football players addressed skepticism following Crimson Tide enter the team's No. 11 2026 season facing their lowest preseason ranking since 2008. The USA Today preseason coaches poll placed the team at No. 11, making them the sixth-highest ranked team in the coaches poll. Players noted that SEC. Other outlets have provided varying assessments, with ESPN ranking them No. 11 and On3 placing them at No. 14. As the team has been undergoing enters its third season under head coach Kalen DeBoer, players have addressed external skepticism during media day. Sophomore defensive back Ivan Taylor noted that rigorous summer conditioning, led by strength and conditioning to prepare coach David Ballou, has been a focus for the upcoming squad. Key personnel decisions and performances remain central to the team's outlook. The starting quarterback position is currently being contested between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack. Additionally, analysts suggest that wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams must return to premier playmaker status to support the offense following a difficult 2025 season. On3 also noted that Alabama ranked 11th in a metric identifying teams whose high preseason rankings have not historically resulted in national titles since 2014.