The 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide preview zeroes in on a backfield that struggled mightily in 2025, ranking 125th in rushing yards per game and managing just two recovered fumbles. The unit, once anchored by stars like Derrick Henry and Najee Harris, now faces a pivotal moment where a rebound could define the season's trajectory.
A RB Room in Transition
Junior Daniel Hill, who logged 15 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns in the Oklahoma game, is slated to start, while sophomore Kevin Riley brings a mixed bag of 224 rushing yards and two scores on 59 attempts, improving to 119 yards on 40 carries against stronger opponents. Their performances will set the tone for a group that must replace Jam Miller, the former leading rusher whose 504 yards marked the lowest single‑season total since 1990.
Injuries have already reshaped expectations for freshmen Trae’shawn Brown and EJ Crowell, both of whom missed spring practices and will need to prove they can handle the physical demands of SEC play. Brown’s vision and pass‑protection skills have drawn praise despite his smaller stature, while Crowell, the 2025 Mr. Football winner, is expected to return before the season opener.
Coaching continuity offers a mixed story. Robert Gillespie, now in his sixth year as running‑backs coach, has drawn criticism for the unit’s decline over the past two seasons, yet the staff hopes his experience can unlock hidden potential. The transfer portal added another layer of uncertainty when Hollywood Smothers opted for Texas, leaving Alabama without a proven external option.
Depth chart projections place Hill at the top, with Riley as the primary backup and Brown likely to see significant snaps early on. Reserve AK Dear, who managed only 19 carries for 140 yards and three touchdowns last year, and transfer Khalifa Keith, a three‑season contributor with 129 rushing yards, round out a group that must prove its durability and productivity week after week.
The stakes are clear: a more balanced attack could lift Alabama back into contention for a playoff spot, while another season of underperformance would intensify scrutiny on both the roster and the coaching staff. If the backfield can rediscover its rhythm, the Crimson Tide may yet turn the page on a challenging chapter.