CBS Sports makes bold predictions for Alabama football in 2026

It's the time of year when the boldest of predictions, the hottest and coldest of takes, and college football's way-too-early spring "rankings season" is out in full force.

CBS Sports analyst Brandon Marcello acknowledges this in his latest bold predictions for all 16 SEC football teams in 2026:

"Every spring, somebody declares a program rebuilt, a quarterback transformed, a defense reloaded. First-year coaches have become miracle workers, delivering overnight transformations to moribund programs. Hope springs eternal. Then, the games are played in the fall, and reality punches us directly in the face.

"We never learn, do we?"

In spite of that, the veteran college football voice has two bold predictions about Alabama in Year 3 under coach Kalen DeBoer.

Alabama football will 'exceed expectations' in 2026

April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A pass intended for Ryan Williams is broken up by Jireh Edwards at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.

Marcello points out that expectations for Alabama entering DeBoer's third season are relatively low among oddsmakers, highlighting the Crimson Tide's 8.5 over/under win total.

While the CBS Sports columnist doesn't see DeBoer returning for a fourth season if Alabama falls below that projected total, he believes the Crimson Tide will make it a moot point and reach double-digit wins in 2026.

"(W)e're going out on a limb and forecasting a 10- or 11-win regular season. Quarterback Keelon Russell has not yet officially been named the starter, but he should win the job in August. He was impressive in the spring and provides an additional dynamic that Ty Simpson did not. Simply put, he fits offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's designs. The Tide has plenty of time to warm up in September, and the schedule sets up a 10-win goal, with road trips to Tennessee and LSU as the toughest away from Bryant-Denny Stadium. Adding 40 new players but missing out on NC State running back Hollywood Smothers gives us pause, but that schedule and Grubb's history of developing quarterbacks are enough this fall." --Brandon Marcello, CBS Sports.

Alabama football will give SEC coach 'signature win' with upset of Crimson Tide

Alabama hasn't lost to Mississippi State on the gridiron since 2007, Nick Saban's first season in Tuscaloosa that saw the Crimson Tide start 6-2 before sputtering to a 6-6 regular season finish.

Alabama will carry a 16-game winning streak against the Bulldogs into Starkville when the two teams meet on Oct. 3 at Davis Wade Stadium, but Marcello believes that's where the Tide will suffer their first loss of 2026.

"Jeff Lebby finally gets the win that sways fans into his corner: a victory against Alabama. Yes, the Tide. Mississippi State has a great collection of receivers, and quarterback Kamario Taylor could be something special in Lebby's wide-open offense. One of Taylor's teammates called him a future Heisman winner in the spring, and though we know hyperbole is never in short supply in the offseason, the program has positioned itself to strike and knock down a giant after Lebby collected blue-chip talent at the skill positions. The Bulldogs ring their cowbells and upset the Tide for the first time since 2007."

Alabama will open the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Here's a full look at the Crimson Tide's 2026 regular season schedule.

Kickoff times and TV channel designations have not been announced.

• Sept. 5: vs. East Carolina
• Sept. 12: at Kentucky
• Sept. 19: vs. Florida State
• Sept. 26: vs. South Carolina
• Oct. 3: at Mississippi State
• Oct. 10: vs. Georgia
• Oct. 17: at Tennessee
• Oct. 24: vs. Texas A&M
• Nov. 7: at LSU
• Nov. 14: at Vanderbilt
• Nov. 21: vs. Chattanooga
• Nov. 28: vs. Auburn

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football will lose to this underdog in 2026, expert says