
Keelon Russell’s Explosive Debut Sets Tone for Alabama
In a commanding 48-10 win over East Carolina, Russell dazzled with his arm and legs, establishing a new Alabama record for rushing yards by a rookie starter.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning EJ Crowell across Football, Basketball.

In a commanding 48-10 win over East Carolina, Russell dazzled with his arm and legs, establishing a new Alabama record for rushing yards by a rookie starter.

In their 2026 season opener, Alabama rolled past East Carolina 48-10, marking the 25th straight home‑opening victory and improving their all‑time record to 86‑11‑2. Quarterback Keelon Russell debuted with 342 total yards, while the rushing game and defense added further fireworks.

Russell's 249 passing yards and 89 rushing yards highlighted a 38-7 halftime lead, despite early fumbles that tested his poise.

Alabama’s revamped rushing attack and poised quarterback play secured a victory, even as the defense faced a costly turnover.

Three Alabama freshmen earn Shaun Alexander Award watch list honors as the Crimson Tide prepare for a high‑profile 2026 season.

The Maxwell Football Club has released its initial watch list for the 2026 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, recognizing three Alabama newcomers who are already making waves in the recruiting rankings.

USA TODAY Sports places Alabama at ninth nationally, ahead of Ole Miss and Texas A&M, as the program navigates quarterback battles, injury recoveries and a demanding SEC schedule.

Alabama’s 2026 depth chart reveals intense quarterback battles, a deep running back group, and key additions on both sides of the ball as fall camp approaches.

Despite finishing 125th in rushing yards last year, Alabama's coaching staff and players are optimistic about a turnaround, highlighting new additions, returning talent, and a reshaped depth chart.
With the Crimson Tide halfway through fall camp, position battles at quarterback, running back, receiver and defensive spots are intensifying as the team prepares for its season‑opening game against East Carolina on September 5.

The Crimson Tide’s first fall camp scrimmage showcased notable improvements on defense, a promising running back emergence, and a quarterback battle that caught scouts’ attention.
With key backs sidelined and a high‑profile recruit flipping to Illinois, Alabama’s backfield is thin, prompting GM Courtney Morgan to rely on emerging talent like Trae'shawn Brown and a deep‑pocketed compensation package.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back AK Dear will be sidelined for an extended period after a lower‑leg injury sustained during fall camp, though the setback is not season‑ending. His absence reshapes the backfield for the opening game against East Carolina.

A two‑hour practice at Bryant‑Denny Stadium revealed early offensive struggles that gave way to improved execution, while the defense set a strong tone and several key players received notable updates.

Five‑star running back EJ Crowell commits to Alabama, bringing 6,000 rushing yards and elite speed to a 2026 class ranked among the nation’s best.

A handful of rising players are drawing early attention for their potential to influence their teams' performance this fall.

Alabama’s offense is poised for a dramatic transformation as running back Daniel Hill and offensive tackle Jackson Lloyd headline Bruce Feldman’s annual ‘freaks list,’ bringing unprecedented athleticism and depth to a unit seeking balance and national relevance.

The Crimson Tide’s fall camp resumed in Tuscaloosa, highlighting the comeback of key players, a quarterback duel and the first notes of AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ echoing across the field.
Freshman sensation EJ Crowell and veteran Daniel Hill headline a revamped ground game, backed by a unified offensive line and a coaching philosophy that prizes effort and precision.

Alabama’s fall camp third session showcased offensive versatility and defensive intensity, with standout performances from newcomers and increased NFL interest.
During Alabama’s first fall practice, head coach Kalen DeBoer observed running back EJ Crowell performing without pads, praising his explosiveness and execution. With a standout high school career and a deep backfield, Crowell aims to make an immediate impact as the team opens the 2026 season against East Carolina.
The Tide opens fall camp on August 5, 2026, setting the stage for a September 5 season opener against East Carolina. Early practices highlight competition at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and other key positions.

Alabama’s 2025 campaign under Kalen DeBoer delivered eleven victories, a College Football Playoff title and a top‑ranked recruiting class, while a new long‑term contract and lofty CBS rankings raise expectations for a championship‑ready future.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich ranks Alabama 17th among 31 teams for the 2026 College Football Playoff, citing a challenging schedule, an unsettled quarterback battle and a pivotal Oct. 10 matchup against Georgia as key factors shaping the Crimson Tide’s postseason chances.