A New Emphasis on the Ground Game
Alabama’s head coach Kalen DeBoer has made it clear that the Crimson Tide’s offensive identity will pivot around a revitalized rushing attack in the upcoming 2026 campaign.
The 2025 season painted a stark picture: Alabama ranked near the bottom of the SEC in both yards per game and yards per carry, managing just 104.13 rushing yards and 3.35 yards per attempt.
During the offseason the staff turned its focus to the line of scrimmage, installing new blocking schemes and accelerating the development of interior linemen, a move that has already shown physical gains among returning backs such as Kevin Riley and Daniel Hill.
Building on Physical Growth
Freshman recruit EJ Crowell, a five‑star prospect who has been sidelined by a lower‑leg injury, is expected to return to full health and add a dynamic element to the backfield, while veteran presence from players such as Colin Gay adds depth to the group.
Coach DeBoer believes that a potent run game not only controls the clock but also eases the burden on a young quarterback, allowing the offense to dictate tempo and keep defenses honest.
The schedule opens with a September 5 matchup against East Carolina, a 11 a.m. CT kickoff that will be televised on ABC, setting the stage for the new‑look offense to make its debut.