Alabama football players respond to national disrespect ahead of the 2026 season

Alabama football players shared their approach to having people doubt them ahead of the 2026 college football season at the Crimson Tide’s media day.

The Tide is ranked No. 11 in the preseason coaches poll, which is the lowest the Tide has been in over a decade. Alabama is also projected to finish sixth in the SEC by media members.

Multiple Alabama players were asked their response to the doubters, and they gave mixed responses on Saturday. Ivan Taylor, who is projected to earn significant playing time in Alabama’s secondary this season, said the disrespect has inspired a mentality change.

“Our mentality has completely changed,” Taylor said. “A lot of people have disrespected our name. So, we are going to make sure we show them.”

Alabama football’s startling wolf linebacker Yhonzae Pierre feels it’s something he hears but places in the back of his mind.

“Not just a block out, but it is a block out,” Pierre said. “But when we put the pads on everybody got to face us. We just going do all our talking on the field with the pads.”

Lotzeir Brooks, who came on strong as a freshman wide receiver for Alabama last season, plans to not let any outside noise impact him.

“I’m going to listen to it and block it out,” Brooks said. “I just play football. None of that bothers me.”

Alabama opens the season against East Carolina on Sept. 5.