Alabama Aware of Disrespect Entering 2026 Season

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - "We are definitely aware."

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That was Kalen Deboer's short and to-the-point answer when asked on Wednesday morning if Alabama is paying attention to the disrespect facing the Crimson Tide this season in the preseason rankings. Alabama was voted to finish sixth in the SEC by the media in Tampa at SEC Media Days. In the coaches poll yesterday, Alabama was ranked No. 11, the lowest preseason ranking since Alabama was fresh off a 7-6 season in the 2008 preseason.

Obviously, when Alabama is asked about the disrespect, they'll answer the question. But beyond that, DeBoer has emphasized "working in silence" this offseason, letting the play on the field dictate the response to the criticism.

"Just keep working. We’ve talked about working in silence since January," DeBoer said on his message to the team. "These guys just doing their thing, not getting caught up in anything they can’t control. We know what our goals are. We know what our expectations are. We’ve never shied away from that. We attack the day. The challenge for us right now is to continue to just become one, and that’s been our theme here going into camp is just uniting. It’s 11 guys on offense, 11 guys on defense, special teams. But also as a whole program, having each other’s back. That’s the challenge we’ve got to continue with so many guys in the program.

“I’ve been pleased with it, but we’ve got to be great because there’s some big-time moments that are gonna be coming our way. With the schedule you have, you know that’s going to happen in college football, so we’ve got to be ready, be prepared, know how we’re going to respond.”

Alabama returns to the practice field on Thursday, August 6, and is set to open the season on Saturday, September 5, against East Carolina.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.