With the 2026 early signing period underway, here's what you need to know about where SEC programs stand in the college football recruiting rankings:

Alabama has played in nine of the 12 editions of the CFP, missing the cut in 2019, 2022 and 2024. Clemson and Ohio State are tied for second with seven appearances. Alabama has a 9-5 record in the College Football Playoff, winning six of its eight semifinal appearances and splitting its six CFP National Championship appearances.

The latest College Football Playoff rankings give fans new and intriguing storylines to invest in heading into the weekend

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners will meet on Friday night in Norman in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma has won its last two games against Alabama -- including this season's matchup in Tuscaloosa.

For the first time in program history, Indiana is the Big Ten champion and No. 1 team in college football following Saturday night's 13-10 triumph over Ohio State. The win catapults the Hoosiers to the top spot in Sunday's updated AP Top 25 rankings.

Loving a college football team can fill your Saturdays with a full slate of feelings: anticipation, joy, fellowship, maybe even some well-earned swagger. And pain. So much pain.