Tommy Tuberville, a former coach at Ole Miss and Auburn, is anticipated to run for governor of Alabama.

In a political climate where celebrity status and name recognition can outweigh decades of traditional political experience, U.S. Senator and former football coach Tommy Tuberville appears poised to add a new chapter to his unique journey—from college football sidelines to Capitol Hill, and now possibly to the Alabama Governor’s Mansion.

Multiple sources close to Tuberville have suggested that he is seriously considering a bid for governor in 2026, setting up what could be a dramatic campaign shaped by his deep ties to the state’s football traditions and its conservative political base. If Tuberville runs, the former Auburn coach-turned-senator would become one of the most high-profile figures to enter Alabama’s political arena since George Wallace.

Tommy Tuberville is no stranger to Alabama voters. For many, his name conjures images of Auburn University’s roaring student section, high-stakes Iron Bowl victories, and his iconic undefeated season in 2004, when he led the Tigers to a 13-0 record and an SEC Championship. Though controversially left out of the BCS National Championship that year, Tuberville’s program left an indelible mark on college football history.

Before Auburn, Tuberville served as head coach at the University of Mississippi and had assistant coaching stints at the University of Miami and Texas A&M. His football career established him as a leader capable of managing large organizations under pressure—an experience that would later fuel his appeal to voters seeking an outsider in politics.

But even as Tuberville left the gridiron in 2016 following a short and tumultuous stint at the University of Cincinnati, he was eyeing something bigger. By 2020, the coach had morphed into a candidate.

In 2020, Tuberville made his formal entry into politics, backed strongly by then-President Donald Trump. He defeated former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in a contentious Republican primary and then unseated Democratic incumbent Doug Jones in the general election. The victory immediately established Tuberville as one of Trump’s most loyal allies in the Senate.

Tuberville’s Senate tenure has been defined by hardline stances on immigration, unwavering support for the military, and opposition to what he deems as government overreach. However, he made national headlines in 2023 when he placed a months-long hold on hundreds of military promotions in protest of a Pentagon policy covering travel expenses for service members seeking abortions. Though eventually lifted under immense pressure, the blockade revealed a more controversial side to Tuberville’s tenure—one that could become both a badge of honor and a political liability, depending on the audience.

In Alabama, however, where the electorate skews heavily conservative, these actions are more likely to be seen as acts of principled defiance than obstruction.

With Governor Kay Ivey term-limited and unable to seek re-election in 2026, Alabama’s gubernatorial seat is wide open. Early speculation has swirled around several prominent Republicans, including Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, and former U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard.

Yet a recent straw poll conducted by the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce revealed that Tuberville commands a substantial lead among potential Republican contenders. According to the poll, Tuberville garnered 49% of support, compared to 33% for Ainsworth, 11% for Pate, and just 4% for Blanchard. Days later, Ainsworth announced he would not run, narrowing the field considerably and making Tuberville the apparent front-runner should he declare his candidacy.

“Coach Tuberville’s name recognition is through the roof, especially among older voters and college football fans,” said Alabama political analyst Steve Flowers. “He’s got the kind of built-in support that most candidates would spend millions trying to cultivate.”

Not all political stories are without controversy, and Tuberville’s potential gubernatorial bid is no exception. His residency has long been a point of contention.

When Tuberville initially considered running for Alabama governor in 2018, critics pointed out that he may not have met the state’s seven-year residency requirement for gubernatorial candidates. At that time, he had recently lived in Florida. He ultimately decided against entering the race.

Since then, however, Tuberville registered to vote in Alabama in 2019 and listed his primary residence in Auburn. That move likely fulfills the seven-year requirement by the time of the 2026 election. Still, scrutiny may arise from political opponents and media outlets eager to question whether Tuberville’s ties to Alabama are as strong as they appear.

A 2023 Washington Post report, for instance, described Tuberville as “Florida’s third senator,” highlighting his frequent visits to the Sunshine State. Such narratives could resurface if questions of residency become a talking point during a heated campaign.

Though Tuberville has yet to unveil a formal platform for his gubernatorial run, his Senate record and public comments offer strong indications of what voters can expect.

First, expect an emphasis on education reform. Tuberville, who once served as a high school social studies teacher before his coaching career, has frequently criticized the federal Department of Education and advocated for expanded school choice, charter schools, and local control.

Second, Tuberville is likely to continue pushing for tax reform and reduced regulation, positioning himself as a pro-business Republican ready to attract investment and job creation. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for Alabama to remain competitive in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and military contracting.

Finally, Tuberville’s campaign will almost certainly embrace a law-and-order message. In both speeches and Senate floor debates, he has taken hardline stances on crime, gun rights, and border security.

“Alabama needs a leader who will stand up to Washington and stand up for our values,” Tuberville said in a recent radio interview. “That’s why I went to the Senate, and that’s why I’m considering coming back to lead our great state.”

Despite his popularity, Tuberville will likely face several hurdles if he decides to run. Chief among them is his lack of executive or legislative accomplishments. Critics argue that Tuberville has largely been a symbolic figure in the Senate, known more for controversial holds and sound bites than effective policymaking.

“There’s a difference between winning football games and running a state,” said one former Alabama legislator who asked not to be named. “The governor’s office requires deep policy expertise and the ability to manage crises. Tuberville hasn’t demonstrated that yet.”

Moreover, Tuberville’s close association with Donald Trump could be a double-edged sword. While Trump remains highly popular among Alabama Republicans, some moderates and suburban voters have expressed fatigue over the former president’s influence. If the national political winds shift between now and 2026, Tuberville’s alignment with Trump could invite criticism.

Additionally, his handling of military promotions and remarks on various cultural issues could energize opponents. Advocacy groups focused on reproductive rights, military families, and education may seek to organize against his candidacy, framing him as a polarizing figure.

Despite these potential drawbacks, Tuberville’s greatest strength may be the very thing critics view as a weakness—his outsider status.

In an era where politicians are viewed with skepticism and government is seen by many as bloated and ineffective, Tuberville offers a compelling narrative: a non-politician who successfully transitioned into national office and now wants to bring bold leadership to his home state.

“People know I’m not a career politician,” Tuberville often says. “I’m a coach, a leader, and someone who cares deeply about Alabama’s future.”

It’s a message that resonates, especially in rural and working-class parts of the state where voters feel disconnected from establishment elites in Montgomery and Washington alike.

While Tuberville has not yet officially declared his candidacy, political insiders suggest an announcement could come before the end of 2025. If he runs, expect a high-profile campaign flush with fundraising dollars, widespread media coverage, and no shortage of fireworks.

“Coach T running for governor would be the biggest story in Alabama politics in decades,” said one veteran campaign strategist. “He’s got the name, the base, and the narrative. The only question is whether he’s ready for the grind of a statewide executive race.”

For now, Tommy Tuberville is playing it close to the vest. But with the field clearing and polls in his favor, the former football coach could soon find himself trading in his Senate seat for a run at the highest office in Alabama.

As the 2026 race takes shape, one thing is certain: the battle for Alabama’s future will be anything but boring—and Tommy Tuberville might just be the man to watch.