Alabama looks like a real championship threat once more
After two seasons as a College Football Playoff bubble team, Alabama is 5-0 and has reestablished itself as a national title contender. Quarterback Keelon Russell has played at an elite level, and the Crimson Tide have improved their rushing attack and run defense. They are set to host Georgia in a major test.
Alabama’s 5-0 start follows two seasons in which it sat near the edge of the 12-team playoff. In 2024, the Crimson Tide were the first team left out; in 2025, they were among the last included but had multiple losses, including a 21-point SEC title game defeat.
Kalen DeBoer’s current team differs because Keelon Russell has emerged as an elite quarterback after a preseason competition with Austin Mack. Alabama also has fixed ground-game and run-defense weaknesses that plagued last season, when it struggled to reach four yards per carry in conference play and was badly outrushed in December.
Alabama’s resurgence could energize fans, students, and Tuscaloosa businesses on game weekends, while raising expectations around DeBoer and Russell. A high-profile matchup with Georgia may draw national attention and intensify playoff discussions, potentially affecting recruiting and media coverage. For other programs, Alabama’s return to elite form may make SEC and national title paths harder, though outcomes remain uncertain.