Offense
The QB position sees a battle between Austin Mack and Keelan Russell. Mack commands the playbook well, displays excellent vision, and offers a strong, steady presence in the pocket. Russell was an elite high school recruit, he is highly intelligent, has a cannon for an arm, and great scrambling ability.
The running back room must improve. The Crimson Tide averaged 3.4 yards per carry last season. One of the worst in program history. Daniel Hill is a bruising back, but expect Kevin Riley and 5-star freshman EJ Crowell, among others to produce.
The wide receiver room is led by the phenomenal Ryan Williams. He struggled with drops in 2025 and has change his number (1) and he now goes by Ryan Coleman-Williams. Lotzeir Brooks, Rico Scott, and NC State transfer Noah Rogers, among others, will be big for this offense.
The offensive line room lost multiple NFL Draft picks and must improve, especially running blocking. Former 5-star Michael Carroll and a plethora of transfers, among others, must emerge.
Defense
The defense was overpowered and outmanned in the Rose Bowl against Indiana. That starts up front where transfers should emerge. Terrance Green (Oregon), Caleb Smith (Washington), Kendrick Bingley-Jones (Mississippi State), and Devan Thompkins (USC), among others, will be relied upon.
The linebacker room is led by future NFL Draft pick Yhonzae Pierre. Pierre could have turned pro but decided to return to lead this defense. Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson will play a major role inside.
The secondary is the best unit on the team and full of talent. Safeties Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb have tons of experience and will play on Sundays. As will future first round pick cornerback Zabien Brown.
Specialists
Kicker Conor Talty returns but struggled throughout 2025. He will be pushed by Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn. Punting duties will belong to either Alex Asparuhov or North Alabama transfer Adam Watford.
2026 Schedule
9/5 East Carolina
9/12 at Kentucky
9/19 Florida State
9/26 South Carolina
10/3 at Mississippi State
10/10 Georgia
10/17 at Tennessee
10/24 Texas A&M
11/7 at LSU
11/14 at Vanderbilt
11/21 Chattanooga
11/28 Auburn
Final Analysis
Back-to-back four loss seasons doesn’t cut it at Alabama. The Tide took a step last season, winning a CFP game for the first time since 2021. The roster is full of talent but there are new faces in key positions. Year 3 under Kalen DeBoer needs to produce better results or his seat will be on fire.
