Alabama isn’t bringing a Heisman winner into Pasadena. They didn’t win their conference title game.
And they’re not undefeated - not even close. But don’t let any of that fool you.
The Crimson Tide are still very much alive in the College Football Playoff, and if they can string together three more wins, they’ll be hoisting the national championship trophy on January 19 in Miami.
It won’t be easy. It’s not supposed to be.
But this Alabama team, for all its flaws and close calls, has the tools to get it done. Here’s why the Tide are still a threat to win it all.
1. Alabama is finally healthy - and that changes everything
Injuries have been the story of Alabama’s season - nagging, lingering, untimely. But just as the calendar flips to 2026, the Tide are as close to full strength as they’ve been all year. And that couldn’t come at a better time.
The biggest return? Senior defensive end LT Overton, who’s set to play against Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
That’s a huge deal. Overton missed the SEC Championship loss to Georgia and the first-round Playoff win at Oklahoma due to a medical issue.
His absence was felt - especially against Georgia, where Bama’s pass rush struggled to disrupt the Bulldogs' rhythm.
Now, Overton’s back. And he’s not just a presence - he’s a difference-maker.
With 33 tackles (20 solo) and four sacks on the season, he’s been the engine of Alabama’s defensive front when healthy. Getting him back to chase Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza around the Rose Bowl could tilt the game in Alabama’s favor.
“I feel game-ready,” Overton said. That’s all Tide fans need to hear.
And he’s not the only one returning. Running back Kevin Riley is also set to go after missing the last three games with a jaw injury.
The redshirt freshman has flashed potential this season, racking up 222 yards and two touchdowns in limited action. In a backfield that’s lacked consistency, Riley’s return adds a spark - and some much-needed depth - to the offense.
Simply put: this is the healthiest Alabama has been in months. And with the stakes this high, that’s a game-changer.
2. The talent is still elite - don’t let the record fool you
Alabama enters the Rose Bowl as the No. 9 seed in the Playoff - and a touchdown underdog against Indiana. But here’s the twist: the Tide are starting nine former 5-star recruits.
Nine.
That’s not just a stat - that’s a statement. For all the talk about Alabama’s three losses and their inconsistent play this season, this is still one of the most talented rosters in the country. That’s been true for years, and it’s still true now.
Yes, they’ve stumbled. Yes, they looked overmatched at times - especially in that SEC title game loss to Georgia.
But they also ripped off eight straight wins at one point, including four in a row against ranked SEC opponents. That’s no small feat.
It’s hard to do in any year, and it’s especially impressive in a season where the margin for error was razor-thin.
This team’s ceiling is still sky-high. And when you’ve got this much talent on both sides of the ball, you’re never truly out of it - no matter what the seedings say or what Vegas thinks.
3. Ty Simpson’s leadership is the X-factor
Quarterback play matters more than ever in the Playoff - and Alabama’s got a guy who’s locked in.
Ty Simpson has grown into the role of QB1 this season, and he’s done it with a mix of poise, grit, and a laser focus that’s earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. After Alabama’s gutsy road win at Oklahoma in the first round, Simpson was asked about silencing the critics who questioned the Tide’s place in the Playoff.
He didn’t take the bait. Instead, he invoked Kobe Bryant.
“What did Kobe say? We’re not done yet. That’s all I gotta say,” Simpson said, referencing Bryant’s iconic quote during the 2009 NBA Finals when the Lakers were two wins away from a title.
That moment said everything about Simpson’s mindset. He wasn’t celebrating.
He wasn’t satisfied. He was already looking ahead.
That’s the kind of mentality that wins championships.
Simpson’s been this way all season - even after big wins, he’s the guy pointing out what could’ve been better. After a strong performance against Missouri earlier in the year, he was more focused on missed opportunities than highlights. That’s not negativity - that’s leadership.
And head coach Kalen DeBoer knows it. Sitting next to Simpson during that postgame press conference, DeBoer couldn’t help but smile. He saw what everyone else did: a quarterback who’s not just playing well, but thinking like a champion.
Bottom line
Alabama’s road to a national title is steep. They’ve got to beat a red-hot Indiana team, then likely face two more elite opponents to finish the job in Miami. But don’t count them out.
They’re finally healthy. They’re loaded with 5-star talent. And they’ve got a quarterback who isn’t just playing the game - he’s leading it with a mindset built for the moment.
The Tide may have stumbled their way into the Playoff. But now that they’re here, they’ve got every reason - and every weapon - to believe they can finish the job.