# INSIDER: Phil Steele DEFIES Expectations—Alabama Crimson Tide RISES to Number 8 in 2026!

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-bama-daily-podcast-on-alabama-crimson-tide-football-basketball-884453/insider-phil-steele-defies-expectations-alabama-crimson-tide-rises-to-number-8-in-2026
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-bama-daily-podcast-on-alabama-crimson-tide-football-basketball-884453/insider-phil-steele-defies-expectations-alabama-crimson-tide-rises-to-number-8-in-2026.md
Podcast: [Locked On Bama - Daily Podcast On Alabama Crimson Tide Football & Basketball](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-bama-daily-podcast-on-alabama-crimson-tide-football-basketball-884453)
Published: 2026-07-01T13:06:17+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-bama/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/59f81f/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/b970e436-d13a-4c7a-a57e-0ba047d5584d/episodes/40123a71-cf04-4ae2-89e2-643f33fe4439/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=b970e436-d13a-4c7a-a57e-0ba047d5584d&awEpisodeId=40123a71-cf04-4ae2-89e2-643f33fe4439&feed=w5B7c1tY
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Duration seconds: 1938

## Resource

Alabama Crimson Tide land at No. 8 in Phil Steele’s 2026 preseason bowl rankings, sparking debate—is this a fair projection or are the Tide being undervalued? Luke Robinson and Jimmy Stein break down Steele’s surprising numbers, analyze Alabama’s quarterback outlook, and compare the Tide’s standing to powerhouses like Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas, and Ohio State. The duo explores reasons Alabama isn’t dropping off the national map, eyeing Keelon Russell’s potential and the SEC schedule implications. Roster countdown highlights spotlight offensive lineman Javen James and defensive lineman Edric Hill—can these “depth of good” players elevate Alabama’s front lines? Basketball whispers emerge as well: Jaxson Richardson’s explosive athleticism and Qayden Samuels’ breakout potential have the hosts buzzing. From hard-hitting football analysis to fresh hoops insights, discover why expectations in Tuscaloosa remain championship high and which recent home losses still sting the most. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI,…

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