ESPN playoff insider says lack of statement wins could doom Alabama football in 2026

Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on before running onto the field before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

ESPN College Football Insider and College Football Playoff expert Heather Dinich feels a lack of statement wins may be a problem for the Tide during the 2026 season.

Dinich recently took a look at 31 teams that can make the College Football Playoff. She ranked the Crimson Tide at No. 17 among those teams. While evaluating Alabama’s schedule, Dinich revealed a lack of statement wins may be something the committee uses against Alabama if it has multiple losses.

“Alabama overcame three losses last year,” Dinich wrote. “It overcame a bad loss to a 5-7 Florida State team. But it also had four straight wins against ranked opponents at the time (Georgia, Vandy, Mizzou and Tennessee). Bama might not face a ranked opponent until Oct. 10 against Georgia, and there’s no guarantee that the majority of teams in the back half of the schedule will finish in the CFP top 25. Texas A&M and LSU should, but Tennessee, Vandy and Auburn are more uncertain. If Alabama has a similar season to last year — without as many statement wins — the committee probably won’t be as forgiving.”

ESPN’s Football Power Index currently ranks the Tide’s 2026 schedule as the No. 15 hardest schedule in college football. Alabama is set to take on six teams ranked in the top 25 of ESPN’s FPI this season.

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