The Alabama Crimson Tide entered the first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2026 season at No. 5, despite carrying two losses on their record. The selection committee unveiled the initial rankings on November 4, 2026, placing Alabama inside the top five ahead of several one-loss teams.
The ranking reflects the committee's evaluation of Alabama's strength of schedule and quality wins, even with a pair of defeats. The Crimson Tide's position sets up a critical stretch of games as they aim to secure a spot in the four-team playoff.
