The College Football Playoff field is stacked with talent, but a recent ESPN player ranking has stirred the pot-and not in a way Alabama fans are going to love.
In a list meant to highlight the top 50 players most likely to shine in the postseason, Alabama landed just three names. That’s the same number as James Madison.
Not Georgia. Not Oregon.
James Madison.
The list, compiled by ESPN’s David Hale, Adam Rittenberg, Bill Connelly, and Max Olson, wasn’t pretending to be some airtight formula. In fact, the writers openly admitted their approach was a bit, well, improvised: “The criteria for our list is much like the process used by the College Football Playoff committee, insofar as we mostly made it up as we went.” Honesty, at least.
Still, the goal was clear-identify the players most likely to make an individual impact in the playoff spotlight. And by that measure, Alabama’s showing raised some eyebrows.
Alabama’s Trio in the Top 50
Bray Hubbard led the way for the Crimson Tide, checking in at No. 20.
Ty Simpson followed at No. 41, with linebacker Deontae Lawson right behind at No. 42.
That’s it. No other Alabama names cracked the list, despite the team’s reputation for churning out elite-level talent year after year.
To be fair, even the ESPN panel acknowledged they might’ve missed the mark on a few omissions. In their intro, Hale noted four players they’d probably regret leaving off.
Two of them were from Alabama-wide receiver Germie Bernard and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. Bernard, in particular, has already made a strong case for inclusion after a highlight-reel catch against Oklahoma in the first round.
How the Other Playoff Teams Stack Up
Ohio State dominated the list with nine players, showcasing the kind of depth and star power that makes them a perennial threat. Indiana and Oregon weren’t far behind, with seven each. Miami landed five, while Georgia, Ole Miss, and Alabama all tied with three apiece.
Indiana’s representation was especially eye-catching. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza grabbed the top spot at No. 1 overall.
He was joined by offensive tackle Carter Smith (No. 17), wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (No. 22), safety Louis Moore (No. 28), wideout Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 32), cornerback D’Angelo Pounds (No. 34), and linebacker Aiden Fisher (No.
47). That’s a group that reflects a well-rounded roster, with playmakers on both sides of the ball.
The Fallout After Round One
With the playoff already underway, 10 of the top 50 players have been eliminated following first-round losses. If the list were extended to 60 today, Bernard’s name would likely be a lock, thanks to his acrobatic grab that turned heads and shifted momentum.
The rankings have only added fuel to the fire for both Indiana and Alabama, though in very different ways. For Indiana fans, this is validation-and maybe even a little bit of destiny talk.
There’s real buzz around the idea that the Hoosiers could be the first team to finish a 16-0 season. They’ve got the talent, the swagger, and now the national recognition.
For Alabama, it’s more of a call to arms. The Tide are used to being the hunted, not the overlooked.
Being grouped statistically with James Madison in a player ranking? That’s bulletin board material in Tuscaloosa.
And with guys like Bernard and Proctor already proving they belong in that top 50 conversation, don’t be surprised if Alabama comes out with something to prove-and a chip on its shoulder the size of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Looking Ahead
Indiana might have the hype, but they’d better be ready for a fight. Alabama doesn’t do moral victories, and they certainly don’t take kindly to being underestimated. If the Hoosiers aren’t prepared for a physical, four-quarter battle, they could find themselves in trouble against a Crimson Tide team that’s playing with purpose.
This isn’t just about rankings anymore. It’s about pride, legacy, and proving that the Tide still rolls when it matters most.