With spring practices completed and scrimmages analyzed, the space between now and the 2023 college football season leaves plenty of time for analysis and predictions.

In the last two weeks, some of the industry’s leading sites have released admittedly “way-too-early” rankings, comparing Alabama to some of the best programs in the country. Where did the Crimson Tide place?

In the lists produced by NCAA.com, ESPN, 247Sports, CBS Sports and College Football News, Nick Saban’s squad wasn’t picked for the No. 1 spot in any. That went to Georgia and Kirby Smart, the reigning champions looking for the sport’s first three-peat since 1936. Unsurprisingly, most analysts had questions about the Tide’s quarterback room and gauged the impact of Notre Dame transfer.

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Projecting Alabama’s 2023 depth chart after spring practice

247Sports

Overall ranking: 6

Previous ranking (pre-spring): 2

National college football writers Brad Crawford, Chris Hummer, Bud Elliot and Brandon Marcello combined their rankings to put the Tide behind Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, LSU and Florida State. 247 was the most bullish on the Tide and said it “suffered the biggest perception change” compared to other national title contenders.

Their take: “It’s a legitimate talent question concerning the Crimson Tide, who replace a number of key starters and contributors on both sides of the football. … Replacing both coordinators is another worry with Rees and Kevin Steele (defense) taking over.”

ESPN

Overall ranking: 6

Previous ranking: 5

Senior writer Mark Schlabach is high on Florida State and Southern California, as both programs are returning 18 and 16 starters, respectively, compared to Alabama’s 10. Like many, he also commended Justice Haynes and Caleb Downs, the Crimson Tide’s two freshmen from the Peach State.

Their take: “Neither Jalen Milroe nor Ty Simpson looked ready to fill former quarterback Bryce Young’s shoes this spring … The defense, even without star edge rusher Dallas Turner, who missed the spring while recovering from surgery, performed well under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.”

CBS Sports

Overall ranking: 6

Previous ranking: 4

National college football writer Dennis Dodd cited Alabama’s quarterback situation as a “genuine concern” with no clear starter heading into the fall.

Their take: “The Crimson Tide go from the No. 1 overall player in the draft at quarterback (Bryce Young) to a giant question mark. Consecutive years out of the CFP aren’t going to sit well with the always level-headed Bama fans. That’s never happened.”

NCAA.com

Overall ranking: 4

SEC ranking: 2

Writer Wayne Staats noted there are “questions” around the Tide, but seemed confident in one of Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson to emerge. (Ranking released before news of Buchner’s transfer.)

Their take: “A rout of K-State in the Sugar Bowl sent out Bryce Young and others on a high note, but any Nick Saban season that doesn’t end with an SEC or national title will feel slightly disappointing. … but Alabama is still Alabama.”

College Football News

Overall ranking: 3

Previous ranking (2022): 7

The staff doesn’t expect much of a dropoff from Saban and co. According to CFN, the Crimson Tide is better than Michigan, Penn State and LSU.

Their take: “The young talent overall is jaw-dropping, but WRs have to emerge.”

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].