The coaches have spoken, and for the seventh time since 2009, Alabama is ranked in the top five. The Crimson Tide will enter this season ranked No.3 nationally, behind TCU and Ohio State. According to ESPN’s football power index, Alabama has the toughest schedule.

It’s projected to win 8.7 games and has a 12.9 percent chance of winning the Southeastern Conference. Head coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide start fall camp on August 6.

Listed below are the top 25 preseason rankings, according to the Amway Coaches’ Poll.

1. Ohio State
2. TCU
3. Alabama
4. Baylor
5. Oregon
6. Michigan State
7. Auburn
8. Florida State
9. Georgia
10. USC
11. Notre Dame
12. Clemson
13. LSU
14. UCLA
15. Ole Miss
16. Arizona State
17. Georgia Tech
18. Wisconsin
19. Oklahoma
20. Arkansas
21. Stanford
22. Arizona
23. Missouri
24. Boise State
25. Tennessee

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.