CBS Sports writer says Alabama football is a Tier 3 title contender

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer looks on before the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford feels Alabama football is a tier-three title contender ahead of the 2026 college football season.

Crawford considers Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon and Ohio State to be tier-one contenders as clear frontrunners. Indiana and Texas are Crawford’s tier-two teams. Alabama is joined by LSU, Texas Tech, USC, Oklahoma and Texas A&M in Crawford’s tier three of title contenders.

College Football Playoff Contenders by tier heading into the 2026 season, via @BCrawford247 👀

Do y’all agree?

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— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) July 13, 2026

“Kalen DeBoer’s offensive system is fully established under Ryan Grubb, and the quarterback position is in capable hands, whether Austin Mack or Keelon Russell wins the job. Alabama’s defense has the speed and playmaking ability to control games against elite competition, too,” Crawford wrote while referencing Alabama. “The expectation in Tuscaloosa is championships, not playoff appearances, and the key will be getting back to the physical brand of football not yet seen under the current regime. If Alabama wins the battles at the line of scrimmage this season, the Crimson Tide has every ingredient necessary to earn a high seed in the 12-team bracket.”

The Crimson Tide is coming off a season where it made the College Football Playoff and made an appearance in the SEC Championship.