Stephen A. Smith and Chris Fowler weighed in on the expectations for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama after a challenging first season since Nick Saban’s departure, wondering if DeBoer can steady the ship in his second year and restore the Crimson Tide to title contention.
In other college football news, Alabama and West Virginia have mutually agreed to cancel their planned home-and-home series for 2026 and 2027. The decision comes as Alabama adjusts its nonconference schedule in response to the Southeastern Conference’s move to nine league games starting in 2026.
Under the revised plans, Alabama will now face East Carolina on September 5, 2026, South Florida on September 12, and Florida State on September 19. West Virginia will shift to Coastal Carolina on September 5, UT-Martin on September 12, and Virginia on September 19.
Why this matters
– The SEC’s expansion to nine conference games is driving teams to rethink nonconference strength and balance. Alabama’s choice to schedule a high-profile Power Five opponent in Florida State alongside two Group of Five programs reflects a strategy to maintain marquee games without overloading the schedule.
– West Virginia’s adjusted lineup mirrors a similar philosophy: mix a Power Five opponent with a Group of Five and an Atlantic Coast Conference foe to balance competitive exposure with a manageable early-season slate.
What it could mean for the season
– For Alabama, the Florida State game provides a real early test as the program seeks to reestablish momentum under DeBoer and build depth before the SEC grind intensifies.
– For West Virginia, the adjusted nonconference slate offers opportunities to prove the program’s development while aligning with broader CFP qualification strategies that prioritize strength of schedule and marquee matchups.
Additional notes and context
– The shift underscores a broader trend in college football scheduling as conferences prepare for a nine-game league layout. Programs are prioritizing nonconference tests that include a mix of Power Five rivals and high-profile matchups to capture attention and strengthen postseason resumes.
– Coaches and fans alike will be watching how DeBoer leverages the new slate to evaluate players and build consistency ahead of a demanding SEC schedule.
Overall, the scheduling changes reflect strategic balancing in a rapidly evolving conference landscape, while giving Alabama and West Virginia new opportunities to showcase their programs early in the 2026 season. If you’re looking for a hopeful takeaway, the plan offers both programs a chance to refine depth and test themselves against meaningful opponents right out of the gate, potentially setting the stage for a stronger year ahead.