It's never too early for college basketball fans to start looking ahead, and ESPN's Jeff Borzello has already set the stage for the 2026-27 season with his way-too-early top 25 rankings. Despite facing significant roster turnover, the Alabama Crimson Tide have secured a spot, checking in at No. 20.

The ranking comes with a caveat, as Nate Oats's squad is poised to lose major production. Forwards Aiden Sherrell and Taylor Bol Bowen have entered the transfer portal, while star guard Labaron Philon Jr. has declared for the NBA draft. This exodus of talent creates both a challenge and an opportunity for the program.

To fill the void, Alabama will likely look to a new wave of talent. Freshmen Qayden Samuels and Jaxon Richardson could be thrust into key roles early, signaling a potential youth movement in Tuscaloosa. However, the team's fortunes will heavily depend on the return of established players like Aden Holloway, last season's second-leading scorer, and London Jemison, who is poised for a breakout with an expanded role.

Coming off a strong 25-10 season, the Crimson Tide's ultimate goal remains clear: capturing the program's first-ever national championship. While the path forward requires navigating a reshaped roster, their preseason ranking confirms that the expectation for excellence in Tuscaloosa remains as high as ever.