Kalen DeBoer enters his third season at Alabama in 2026. Keelon Russell takes over as the starting quarterback after appearing in two games as a backup last season. Russell has made his first two career starts, including a 342-total-yard performance in the season opener against East Carolina. Alabama must replace leading rusher Jam Miller after his departure for the NFL. Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley return to the backfield, with Hill emerging early in the season as a key part of the rushing attack. Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks return in the receiving corps. NC State transfer Noah Rogers returns to the receiving corps after working his way back from a lower-body injury he suffered during spring practice. The offensive line returns Michael Carroll after six starts last season, while Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James joins the group with previous starting experience. Alabama entered the season with three offensive linemen making their first career starts.

Kane Wommack returns as defensive coordinator. Alabama returns five of its top eleven tacklers from last season, providing some continuity but also turnover on defense. Yhonzae Pierre returns along the defensive front after leading the Crimson Tide with eight sacks last season. Mississippi State transfer Kedrick Bingley-Jones joins the defensive line, while Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson adds experience to the linebacker group. Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, Zabien Brown, and Dijon Lee Jr. return in the secondary, giving the Crimson Tide an experienced foundation on the back end of the defense.

Jay Nunez takes over as Alabama’s special teams coordinator in 2026. Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn joins the program after connecting on 21 of 26 field-goal attempts last season and has taken over Alabama’s kickoff duties. Conor Talty handled placekicking early in the season. Alabama features a new punter following Blake Doud’s departure, with North Alabama transfer Adam Watford among the options. Lotzeir Brooks returns with experience on kickoff returns. Alabama enters 2026 with turnover at running back and along the offensive line, while returning five of its top eleven tacklers and several experienced players in the secondary. Some key areas of the roster remain unsettled, while others remain intact.