Alabama Enters Top 12 as Highest-Ranked Two-Loss Team
The first College Football Playoff poll of the 2026 season has been released, placing the Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 5 in the rankings. The announcement marks the beginning of a weekly evaluation process that will continue on ESPN until the selection committee unveils the 12-team playoff field in December.
Alabama’s position makes it the highest-ranked squad with two losses in the initial standings. The Crimson Tide is ranked ahead of one-loss teams BYU and Notre Dame, as well as undefeated UCLA.
The ranking also places Alabama above Tennessee, which defeated the Crimson Tide less than three weeks ago, and Kentucky, which holds a 7-1 record after Alabama beat them 45-17 in Week 2. In the Associated Press poll, Kentucky is ranked above Alabama, while Alabama sits at No. 9 in both the AP Top 25 and the Coaches Poll.
Committee Composition and Ranking Structure
The College Football Playoff selection committee consists of 13 members who determine the weekly rankings. The group includes chair Hunter Yurachek, along with Troy Dannen, Mark Dantonio, Doug Gillin, Mark Harlan, Ivan Maisel, Gus Malzahn, Chris Massaro, Randall McDaniel, Mike Riley, Jeff Tedford, Wesley Walls, and Carla Williams.
The current CFP Top 25 rankings list Miami at No. 1, followed by Georgia at No. 2, Utah at No. 3, and Indiana at No. 4. Alabama’s placement at No. 5 reflects the committee's assessment of its resume relative to other contenders.
Alabama’s strength of schedule includes wins over No. 6 Kentucky and No. 21 South Carolina. The teams that have defeated Alabama are ranked No. 2 Georgia and No. 13 Tennessee.
Weekly Polls Leading to December Selection
The committee will release its top 25 teams every week from the current date until the playoff field is finalized in December. These weekly polls provide the primary public insight into how the committee evaluates potential playoff contenders throughout the season.