The only thing that matters to the Alabama Crimson Tide is whether the program wins the National Championship each season.

And last year, while the team did see some success, they didn't complete the job. 2025 was a failed year for the Crimson Tide, despite them making the College Football Playoff, even winning a game on the road against the Oklahoma Sooners.

So, entering 2026, Alabama has a lot to prove, with many people around the country doubting this group. With head coach Kalen DeBoer potentially on the hot seat, there is real pressure on Alabama to be much better this season.

However, nobody really knows exactly what to expect from the Crimson Tide heading into the year. And some around the country seem to see Alabama as a shell of its former self.

One running backs coach from the Big Ten has called out the Crimson Tide for how they play. The coach said that the team has a 'softness' to how they play.

“Alabama. It looks like they’re morphing into a Pac-12 team (sic). I like (Kalen) DeBoer a lot, but I think there’s a softness to how they play. The way they got beat by Indiana last year was like, ‘Whoa!," one Big Ten running backs coach said.

Historically, when you think of Alabama, the word soft doesn't come to mind. But that may be the reality for the Crimson Tide entering the season.

After Indiana beat them 38-3 in the College Football Playoff, it has some people looking at the program in a different light. But DeBoer and the Crimson Tide will be out to prove themselves this season.

Schedule-wise, the Tide have a favorable time this season. While there are some tough road games, overall, Alabama could have a very strong year.

The hardest road games come against the LSU Tigers and Tennessee Volunteers, with each program also looking to establish themselves in the SEC. But Alabvama gets both Georgia and Texas A&M at home, as well as Auburn to finish out the season.

Alabama needs to, at the very least, get back to the playoff this season: otherwise, DeBoer may be let go. The Crimson Tide fans aren't here for excises, and being called soft being the year is something that won't ever fly with this historic program.

This team opens the new season at home against East Carolina, offering themselves a chance to get going on a high note.

Source: Yahoo Sports