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Committee Ranks Alabama 5th in College Football Playoff Debut
4 Nov
Summary
- First College Football Playoff poll of 2026 season released.
- Alabama ranked fifth overall as top two-loss team.
- Committee views Alabama's schedule more favorably than polls.
The initial College Football Playoff rankings for the 2026 season have been unveiled, with Alabama earning the No. 5 position. This placement designates them as the highest-ranked team with two losses, notably ranking them above Texas, Ole Miss, undefeated UCLA, and Tennessee, whom they recently lost to.
The committee's evaluation places significant weight on strength of schedule and quality losses, as evidenced by Alabama's No. 5 ranking. This differs from the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll, where the Crimson Tide were ranked No. 9, indicating a distinct rationale from the CFP selection committee. These weekly polls provide crucial insight into the committee's decision-making process as the 12-team field is determined in December.
