Alabama Football 2026: 5 Factors That Will Make or Break the Season
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Alabama won 11 games, played for the SEC Championship and earned a trip to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals after beating Oklahoma in the first round last season.
However, the season ended on a down note, as the Crimson Tide were thoroughly dominated in a 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Although 2025 was a solid year for coach Kalen DeBoer, it’s no secret expectations are much higher in Tuscaloosa.
DeBoer’s challenge for ’26 and beyond is simple: Get Alabama on a deep playoff run and back into contention to win the national title.
Even though the Crimson Tide have a favorable slate this fall, exceeding last year’s win total won’t be easy. Whether it’s Keelon Russell or Austin Mack, Alabama is breaking in a new quarterback after Ty Simpson departed early for the NFL. Additionally, DeBoer and coordinator Ryan Grubb need to generate more production out of the offensive line and rushing attack to take the pressure off whichever quarterback wins the job.
The preseason concerns extend to the defense. Coordinator Kane Wommack is arguably one of the top SEC defensive signal-callers but loses several key pieces up front and at linebacker. A secondary featuring All-America candidates at safety in Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, along with cornerback Zabien Brown, should be the strength of the ‘26 unit.
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Alabama Football 2026: 5 Factors That Will Make or Break the Season
1. Who Wins the Quarterback Battle?
The competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack is one of the top quarterback battles to watch in fall practice. Russell – a former five-star prospect – has enormous upside and flashed big-time potential in limited time last year and in the ‘26 spring game. However, Mack has more experience in DeBoer’s system. Will a clear leader emerge this fall?
2. Can Alabama Reload on the Offensive Line?
This position is arguably the biggest concern for DeBoer and coordinator Ryan Grubb. Zero starters are back (per Athlon Sports’ criteria), but Michael Carroll (546 offensive snaps last year) brings some returning experience and should be one of the better players on this unit.
How fast can new line coach Adrian Klemm find the right answers here? The development of transfers Racin Delgatty (center) and Jayvin James (tackle) and promising young returners like tackle Jackson Lloyd and guard William Sanders is crucial.
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3. Can EJ Crowell Spark the Rushing Attack?
Alabama’s rushing attack struggled last year, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry in SEC play. More balance is needed to contend for a playoff spot again, especially with a new starter at quarterback.
Freshman EJ Crowell is expected to provide a spark to the ground attack, with Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley also toting the rock. Behind a revamped offensive line, can Crowell help the ground game improve its production?
4. How will a Revamped Defensive Line Perform?
Getting bigger and more physical on the line was a priority after Alabama was pushed around a bit last season. Coordinator Kane Wommack hopes the additions of Terrance Green (Oregon), Devan Thompkins (USC) and Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Mississippi State) from the transfer portal are able to quickly restock a unit losing LT Overton, James Smith and Tim Keenan III.
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5. Will Depth and New Faces Emerge at Linebacker?
Edge Yhonzae Pierre is one of the SEC’s top returning pass rushers after accounting for 14.5 tackles for a loss in ‘25. However, the rest of the linebacker unit faces questions this offseason. Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson was an important acquisition from the portal to bridge the gap to a group of inexperienced players.
The fall is a critical time for Quinton “QB” Reese and Luke Metz to join Woodson as key contributors on the interior of the linebacker unit.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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