The Crimson Tide have officially opened preseason camp, a pivotal week that sets the tone for the 2026 campaign. With the season opener slated for September 5 against East Carolina, every drill and scrimmage is being evaluated for its impact on the final roster.
Quarterback competition takes center stage
Head coach has named Ty Simpson as the presumptive starter for the 2025 season, but the 2026 battle between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack remains the most talked‑about storyline. Both signal‑callers have shown flashes of playmaking ability, and the coaching staff is weighing who can best manage the tempo and protect the ball under pressure.
At wide receiver, the team is looking to fill the void left by Noah Rogers’ injury. Ryan Coleman‑Williams and Lotzeir Brooks have emerged as the leading candidates, each bringing a different skill set that could diversify the passing attack early in the year.
The offensive line appears anchored by Michael Carroll, Jackson Lloyd and Racin Delgatty, yet the left guard and right tackle spots are still unsettled. William Sanders and Jayvin James are being tested in those roles, with the hope that one of them can lock down a starting position before the first game.
Defensively, Alabama’s secondary is deep. Starters Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, Dijon Lee Jr., Zabien Brown and Red Morgan give the unit a solid foundation, while newcomers Carmelo O'Neal, Jireh Edwards and Jorden Edmonds add depth and fresh talent to the mix.
Linebacker corps feature veteran Caleb Woodson as the anchor, but the middle spot remains open. Youngsters Luke Metz and Xavier Griffin are expected to see increased snaps, and their development could shape the unit’s overall effectiveness.
Finally, the kicking game presents a duel between Conor Talty and Lorcan Quinn. Questions linger about whether both will see action or if one will specialize in field goals while the other handles kickoffs, a decision that could influence close games early in the schedule.