ESPN names top under-the-radar player for Alabama entering 2026

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One of the biggest offseason additions in the NCAA transfer portal for coach Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide came from the ACC.

Former Virginia Tech linebacker Caleb Woodson committed to the Crimson Tide in January after a stellar season with the Hokies in 2025. He had three solid seasons in Blacksburg prior to joining Alabama.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Woodson recorded 57 tackles (26 solo) with the Hokies a year ago in nine games. A year earlier as a sophomore, he notched 72 tackles (26 solo) and an interception while playing in all 13 games.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s panel of college football reporters unveiled their list of under-the-radar players for each team in the network’s post-spring top 25 rankings, including Alabama.

Among players described as those that could “play a significant role in a conference race or the chase for a College Football Playoff bid,” Woodson was the choice for Alabama in 2026.

ESPN’s Harry Lyles Jr. said of Woodson:

“‘Under the radar’ may not describe Woodson, because there should be hype around him coming into 2026. He was a key contributor on Brent Pry’s defense at Virginia Tech for three seasons, and he’s just a damn good athlete. He used to be a year-round competitive swimmer, starting at the age of 6 and continuing until he was 14. He originally played wide receiver, and decided to switch to defense because when he was going to football camps in his youth, the wide receiver and defensive back lines were long. He’s willing to do what needs to be done on the field and should fit in nicely at Alabama.”

Alabama is No. 16 in ESPN’s post-spring top 25 rankings, and No. 12 in USA TODAY Sports’ post-spring rerank.

Alabama football schedule 2026

Alabama will open the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Here’s a full look at the Crimson Tide’s 2026 regular-season schedule. Kickoff times and TV channel designations have not been announced.

  • Sept. 5: vs. East Carolina
  • Sept. 12: at Kentucky
  • Sept. 19: vs. Florida State
  • Sept. 26: vs. South Carolina
  • Oct. 3: at Mississippi State
  • Oct. 10: vs. Georgia
  • Oct. 17: at Tennessee
  • Oct. 24: vs. Texas A&M
  • Nov. 7: at LSU
  • Nov. 14: at Vanderbilt
  • Nov. 21: vs. Chattanooga
  • Nov. 28: vs. Auburn

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football’s top under-the-radar player entering 2026, per ESPN

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