Alabama Crimson Tide Faces Challenges in 2026 Season

The Alabama Crimson Tide reached the College Football Playoff in Kalen DeBoer’s second season. However, they face significant challenges returning in 2026. The team needs to replace quarterback Ty Simpson, who became a first-round pick for the Los Angeles Rams. Potential candidates for the position include Keelon Russell and Austin Mack.

Improvement in the offense, particularly the running game, is necessary for Alabama. Yet, they experienced a setback when recruit Hollywood Smothers chose to play for Texas instead. Teams like Texas, LSU, and Georgia are heavily investing in their rosters.

“We’ve got to continue to grow,” DeBoer said in an interview with Garry L. Harris of WVUA 23. “There’s no question. We’ve got to continue to adjust to the times. We’ve got to continue to push the envelope. We need the support of anyone that wants to be a part of it. And I think more and more people do understand that you can have an awesome staff, but you’ve got to have the NIL support to be able to get the players because they’re the ones that make the plays on Saturdays.”

Recently, DeBoer signed a new seven-year deal worth $87.7 million, with a 20-8 record in two seasons. The team struggles with recruiting for the 2027 class, holding a rank of No. 71 according to 247 Sports.

DeBoer remains confident in the resources available to Alabama, believing they can field a competitive team in the SEC. He emphasizes the program’s investment in players and resources.

“I think we’re very competitive, and that’s what I ask,” DeBoer explained. “When we’re able to be competitive, I think what our staff brings, what this program has, and what we have for our players, the amount of investment that we put into each scholarship guy that’s on this football team, I just don’t know another program that can give what we give our guys.”

Despite these challenges, Alabama’s dominance seen during Nick Saban’s tenure won’t return until the program can compete with its SEC and Big Ten rivals in NIL funding.