
Alabama’s Running Backs Aim to Bounce Back in 2026
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.
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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.

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.
The Crimson Tide’s second fall practice highlighted a wave of newcomers, intense drills, and soaring temperatures that tested both body and strategy.
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.
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.

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.

With the 2026 fall camp underway, Alabama’s coaching staff is sorting through competitions at quarterback, running back, the offensive line and defensive spots, setting the stage for a potentially transformative season.

On Oct. 13, 2007, Oregon State’s underdog squad toppled a top‑five Cal team, delivering a 31‑28 upset that still resonates in college football lore.
Coach Kalen DeBoer outlines the strategic shift toward a stronger ground game as Alabama prepares for its 2026 season opener against East Carolina.
Coach Kalen DeBoer stresses that a strong ground game will ease play‑calling and protect inexperienced quarterbacks, as Alabama works to climb out of the SEC’s bottom tier in rushing.

Alabama enters the 2026 season with a young roster, open quarterback competition and key defensive additions, setting the stage for a pivotal year under new coaching directions.

EA Sports’ newest college football title ranks Alabama’s defense among the nation’s elite, spotlighting star players and the intimidating atmosphere of Bryant‑Denny Stadium.

The Crimson Tide managed just 23 rushing yards against Indiana in the Rose Bowl and a negative total against Georgia in the SEC Championship. With key backs returning and a new philosophy from head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama aims to restore a ground game that can open up its high‑powered passing attack.

A look at the top backfields and key players heading into the next college football season.

The latest episode of Roll Pod features Mike Rodak, Alex Scarborough and Brett Greenberg drafting Alabama prospects, with Zabien Brown opening the proceedings as the first overall pick.
The Crimson Tide’s rushing attack ranked near the bottom of the SEC in 2025, raising questions about the future of key ball‑carriers and the role of incoming freshman EJ Crowell.
The Alabama football program confronts critical questions about its backfield as the 2026 season approaches, with a struggling run game in 2025 prompting a closer look at freshman EJ Crowell, Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and other emerging options.
Alabama’s 2025 rushing collapse sets the stage for a 2026 overhaul, centered on top recruit EJ Crowell and a revamped backfield.

Alabama's 2026 roster brims with talent, but it's the underrated players like Kevin Riley, Zavier Mincey, Steve Bolo Mboumoua, William Sanders, and Jeremiah Beaman who could define the team's success.

A deep dive into the underrated athletes who could define the Crimson Tide's performance in 2026.

Alabama football receives a pledge from Tai Phillips, a four‑star running back from Irmo High School, as the program continues to build a competitive 2027 class.

Four-star prospect Tai Phillips, ranked No. 856 nationally and No. 17 in South Carolina, pledged to Alabama, becoming the second running back in the 2027 class after Nigel Newkirk.

A look at the talent, challenges, and coaching dynamics shaping Alabama's running back corps as the 2026 season approaches.