Hunter Yurachek explains why Alabama is ranked 8 spots above Tennessee
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Hunter Yurachek is the chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee, which means he’s tasked with explaining its decisions after every rankings release.
The Arkansas athletic director addressed what was arguably the most controversial decision of the evening: Alabama being ranked at No. 5. That puts the Tide ahead of a Tennessee team that beat them 26-10 on Oct. 17.
Yurachek explained why on ESPN.
“Well, I think you look first at Alabama (which) went on the road and beat the team that we have ranked sixth this week in Kentucky. They also beat South Carolina, who’s ranked in our top 25. And then I think many forget that they went on the road and beat Mississippi State … And we really valued that as a strong win for Alabama back there in the early part of the season,” Yurachek said.
Shouldn’t Alabama have been penalized for losing to Tennessee, though? Yurachek mentioned the Volunteers’ track record so far in 2026.
“Tennessee doesn’t have the same level of quality wins,” he said. “They do have the win against Alabama, but you have to go a little bit deeper to see Tennessee with another quality win on their schedule.”
While Yurachek has gone on the record about the committee’s decision, many fans and media may need further convincing. Social media erupted over the ranking shortly after it was revealed on Tuesday evening.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
