Alabama voted as number 1 in USA Today preseason coaches poll released on Monday, with Ohio State 2nd place and defending national champion Georgia the third day.
The Associated Press Top 25 pre-season will be released on August 15.
The Crimson Tide received 54 votes in first place from a panel of 66 major college football coaches. Alabama is about to lose its College Football Playoff title match against Georgia.
The Buckeyes received the first five votes and the Bulldogs received six. Number 18 Texas also received a vote in first place.
Clemson is the number 4 and Notre Dame is number 5. Michiganappeared first CFP, ranked sixth, followed by Texas A&M, Utah, Oklahoma and Baylor.
