A Line in Flux
Alabama’s offensive line for the 2026 season will be markedly different from a year ago, as the Crimson Tide enters the campaign with just a single returning starter on the unit.
Michael Carroll, the lone veteran who earned a scholarship last season, will slide from right tackle to the right guard position, a move coaches say leverages his strength and experience inside.
To fill the void, the program has brought in six transfer players — Jayvin James, Nick Brooks, Ethan Fields, Ty Haywood, Racin Delgatty and Kaden Strayhorn — each of whom brings a different skill set and a chance to compete for a starting role.
Projected Starting Five
Early projections have begun to take shape, with Jackson Lloyd slated to man the left tackle spot, Delgatty expected to anchor the center, James projected at right tackle, and William Sanders poised to see extensive snaps at left guard.
Analysts from Pro Football Focus have weighed in, noting that while the line lacks continuity, the infusion of talent could restore the unit’s competitiveness if the newcomers adapt quickly.