Alabama football fans, it's time to talk about the 2026 season—and the early odds might surprise you. The Crimson Tide is currently sitting around No. 14 in preseason rankings, and that tough loss to Indiana seems to be sticking in the minds of oddsmakers and analysts alike. But is Alabama being underrated? Let's break it down.
According to BetMGM, Alabama is already a slight underdog in two key SEC matchups next season. First up: Georgia visits Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 10. While there's no official point spread yet, the Bulldogs are listed as -135 favorites on the money line, with the Tide at +115. Now, Alabama has been the underdog against Georgia in their last six meetings—including last season's SEC Championship, where the Bulldogs won as 1.5-point favorites. But here's the thing: Alabama has won 10 of its last 12 games against Georgia, including both regular-season meetings over the past two seasons. So, while the odds may favor the Dawgs, history tells a different story.
The other game that's already drawing attention is at LSU on November 7. The Tigers are currently 3.5-point favorites, which is notable because this will be Lane Kiffin's first game as LSU head coach against his former team. Kiffin is 0-5 all-time versus Alabama, and the Tide has won 13 of its last 15 meetings with LSU—including six of the last seven in Baton Rouge. So, is LSU really that much better with Kiffin at the helm? Or is this more about perception than reality? Quarterback play is also a factor: Is Sam Leavitt a major upgrade over Nuss? It feels like a lot of wish-casting rather than actual results.
Sports Illustrated seems to agree with the oddsmakers, ranking LSU at No. 8 and Alabama at No. 14. But if you watched A-Day, you might think the Tide is being slept on. Keelon Russell stole the show, completing 20 of 32 passes for 229 yards and four touchdowns. With Mack limited to just five drives due to an undisclosed injury, Russell showcased the big arm and elusiveness that made him the No. 2 recruit in the 2025 class. Head coach Kalen DeBoer played it cool, praising both quarterbacks' aggressiveness throughout spring, but Russell's performance made the decision a whole lot harder. Coleman-Williams was the standout skill player, hauling in multiple touchdowns in both the scrimmage and A-Day, while the front seven continues to be a strength.
So, is Alabama underrated? The numbers say yes—but the talent on the field says otherwise. Whether you're rocking your crimson gear on game day or just keeping an eye on the odds, one thing's for sure: the Tide is ready to prove the doubters wrong.