Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is turning his attention to the 2026 roster, a unit that will feature fewer veterans than in recent years but a promising mix of transfers and developing talent.
The departure of players who have exhausted their eligibility and entered the NFL draft has left a noticeable gap in experience, prompting the Crimson Tide to replenish the lineup through the transfer portal.
A seventh‑year linebacker leads the way
Linebacker Jah‑Marien Latham will enter his seventh season with the program, providing a rare continuity that DeBoer hopes will anchor the defense.
The senior class consists of nine players, eight on defense and one on offense, offering a foundation of leadership despite the overall youth of the squad.
Balancing experience and potential
Alabama’s junior class includes nineteen athletes, many in their third year, who are expected to step up as the team’s core.
DeBoer notes that while the new arrivals bring high skill levels, they also require refinement and time to gel with the existing group.
The coach emphasizes that chemistry among the younger players is as important as raw talent, and that the staff is actively fostering that environment.
Feedback and development are central to the program’s philosophy, with the coaching staff pushing each athlete to reach his full potential.