<P> The Alabama Crimson Tide football program represents the University of Alabama ( variously Alabama , UA , or ' Bama ) in the sport of American football . The team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision ( FBS ) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA ) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference ( SEC ) . The team is currently coached by Nick Saban . The Crimson Tide is among the most storied and decorated football programs in NCAA history . Since beginning play in 1892 , the program claims 17 national championships , including 12 wire - service ( AP or Coaches ) national titles in the poll - era , and five other titles before the poll - era . From 1958 to 1982 , the team was led by Hall of Fame coach Paul `` Bear '' Bryant , who won six national championships with the program . Despite numerous national and conference championships , it was not until 2009 that an Alabama player received a Heisman Trophy , when running back Mark Ingram became the university 's first winner . In 2015 , Derrick Henry became the university 's second Heisman winner . </P>
<P> The Alabama Crimson Tide football program represents the University of Alabama ( variously Alabama , UA , or ' Bama ) in the sport of American football . The team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision ( FBS ) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA ) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference ( SEC ) . The team is currently coached by Nick Saban . The Crimson Tide is among the most storied and decorated football programs in NCAA history . Since beginning play in 1892 , the program claims 17 national championships , including 12 wire - service ( AP or Coaches ) national titles in the poll - era , and five other titles before the poll - era . From 1958 to 1982 , the team was led by Hall of Fame coach Paul `` Bear '' Bryant , who won six national championships with the program . Despite numerous national and conference championships , it was not until 2009 that an Alabama player received a Heisman Trophy , when running back Mark Ingram became the university 's first winner . In 2015 , Derrick Henry became the university 's second Heisman winner . </P>
how many national championships does alabama have in college football
how many national championships does alabama have in college football
17
17