Alabama

The Crimson Tide enter 2026 with their biggest question mark under center, as Ty Simpson's departure to the NFL Draft leaves the quarterback position wide open. Alabama ranks 13th nationally in JP+'s preseason ratings at +16.2 points, anchored by a defense that grades out 12th (+9.1) while the offense sits 17th (+5.7) despite the signal-caller void. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb inherits a unit that lost significant production, with Isaiah Horton transferring to Texas A&M and Rico Scott also departing, though the addition of Noah Rogers from NC State provides a proven receiving threat to help whoever emerges from the quarterback competition.

JP+ projects 7.5 wins for Alabama in a season where defensive excellence must carry the load while offensive line and front seven continuity concerns create structural uncertainty across both units. The path runs through road tests at LSU and Tennessee, plus a home showdown with Texas A&M that could define SEC positioning. If the new signal-caller stabilizes quickly and Grubb's system maximizes the ground game improvements, this defense gives Alabama a ceiling worthy of playoff contention. If quarterback growing pains persist and the offensive line struggles mesh, even reaching eight wins becomes a challenge in an unforgiving SEC slate.