Jumbo Package: Kane Wommack talks depth chart, seems pleased
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Happy Thursday, everyone. We learned that Alabama will be kicking off the 2029 season earlier than usual.
Alabama announced Wednesday it will play Louisiana Tech to open the 2029 season on August 25.
The game will mark the earliest-ever start to an Alabama football season. The NCAA earlier this year standardized the beginning of its FBS football seasons beginning in 2027 to what is now considered “Week 0.”
Alabama’s 2027 and 2028 season openers both had contractual clauses to adjust the date given the rule change. Alabama will play Marshall on August 28, 2027 and Georgia State on August 26, 2028.
The earliest-ever game Alabama has played was Ohio State to open the 1986 season in Giants Stadium on August 27. Alabama football seasons typically began in mid-to-late September until the 1980s.
You know that game will probably kick off at 11am. I’ll put this here for those who plan to be in attendance.
It was Kane Wommack’s turn to speak to media yesterday. He shared some depth chart notes, and is very pleased with the depth of the secondary.
There’s Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., who “usually makes plays in big moments” and is instinctive at rover and husky. There’s Chuck McDonald III, who has made “great strides” at both nickel and cornerback. There’s Jireh Edwards, the five-star freshman who is injured, yet incredibly engaged, Wommack said. Then there’s players like Ivan Taylor, Zavier Mincey, Carmelo O’Neal and the injured Jorden Edmonds who are also looking to break through for an impact.
Alabama could have one of the deepest defensive back rooms in the country, something that could help the Crimson Tide be one of the best defenses in the country.
Luke Metz has won the starting LB job next to Caleb Woodson.
Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson was always going to fill one spot. The other has been the main topic of competition on the defense.
“Luke Metz is really our other starter right now,” defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “But those other guys have done a really good job. I am pleased with that room. Chuck Morrell has done a fantastic job with the development in that room. You’re going to see a number of guys in there, but Luke and Caleb will be the first two out.”
Metz is a 6-foot-3, 235-pound sophomore linebacker from Hoschton, Georgia. He primarily played on special teams in 2025.
“Luke’s anticipation and the confidence in being able to pull the trigger” is where Wommack said Metz has grown the most.
Now he just needs to play well so that he hangs onto it. Reuben Foster sees great things for Metz.
Alabama has a few on another watch list.
Alabama football placed three players on the 2026 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday.
EJ Crowell, Jireh Edwards and Keelon Russell helped make up a list of 37 players from around the country selected to the preseason list. Alabama has produced two Alexander winners in program history, including Will Anderson, Jr. in 2020 followed by Caleb Downs in 2023.
Alabama’s opening opponent just announced their starting QB.
A sixth-year senior, Griffis transferred to East Carolina during the offseason following a year at Texas Tech where he served as the Red Raiders’ backup quarterback. Over his collegiate career, Griffis has appeared in 30 games dating back to the 2020 season between Wake Forest and Texas Tech, completing 61.2% of passes for 2,314 yards and a 17:8 TD:INT ratio.
Last season at Texas Tech, Griffis saw action in seven games where he completed 26-of-36 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns.
Last, Al dot com put out a Trent Seaborn documentary that’s worth your 16 minutes.
That kid just feels like a champion.
That’s about it for now. Have a great day.
Roll Tide.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos