Rece Davis Names Historic SEC Program That's 'Flying Under the Radar'

The Alabama Crimson Tide will be one of the most-watched college football teams this season.

Alabama Shows Growth in Year 2 Under Kalen DeBoer

The Crimson Tide are coming off an 11-4 season in which they made the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff in Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer. For most people, that would signal progress after a 9-4 first year. But at Alabama, the standard is winning championships. Simply making the playoff isn't good enough.

So, the pressure is on for DeBoer to go even further in 2026. He will have to do that with a different quarterback for the third straight year. Alabama announced that former five-star Keelon Russell would be taking over as the starter.

Russell is immensely talented, but has played in just two games, completing 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two scores. He beat out Austin Mack, who has been with DeBoer since the 2023 season when DeBoer was at Washington, but also has limited experience.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer speaks to the press. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rece Davis Believes Alabama Is Flying Under the Radar

The goal for DeBoer is to take as much pressure off of Russell, especially early in the season. The Crimson Tide should have a good defense again, led by arguably the best secondary in college football. They will need to improve the running game, which was the worst among teams that made the playoff last season.

Due to some question marks surrounding the program, ESPN's Rece Davis revealed on the "College GameDay Podcast" that Alabama is being forgotten in the SEC.

"We've talked about Alabama flying under the radar, and that's true," Davis said. "That will only last until their first big win or their first big loss."

Keelon Russell gives Alabama a New Look at QB

Russell represents one of the biggest variables for Alabama heading into 2026. The former five-star recruit has the talent to become a star, but he has very little experience at the college level.

That makes the Crimson Tide's early-season games especially important. If Russell settles in quickly, Alabama could have the offensive balance necessary to compete with the SEC's best.

The defense should provide some stability while Russell develops, but eventually the young quarterback will have to prove he can perform in the biggest moments.

The Crimson Tide enter the season with plenty of questions, but that doesn't mean they lack championship-caliber talent.

That's why Davis' "flying under the radar" comment could prove important. Alabama may not receive the same preseason attention as some of the SEC's other contenders, but one major win could quickly change the perception surrounding DeBoer's team.

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