Alabama Football Depth Chart: Fall Camp Battles Take Shape as Season Opener Nears
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — With little over two weeks remaining until the Alabama Crimson Tide face East Carolina to open the 2026 season, the competition for starting roles is nearing its conclusion. While some positions have solidified, key battles at quarterback, offensive line, and linebacker remain undecided as Kalen DeBoer’s third season approaches. Here is an updated projection of Alabama’s Week 1 two-deep depth chart based on reports from fall camp.
Quarterback: A Two-Man Race
· Starter: Keelon Russell OR Austin Mack
· Backup: The other of the two
The quarterback battle between sophomore Keelon Russell and senior Austin Mack remains the most scrutinized competition of fall camp. Neither candidate has started a game, and their limited experience—combined 107 snaps—presents a unique challenge for the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb indicated a decision will be made by “next week” following the final scrimmage. Head coach Kalen DeBoer has emphasized the need for a “clean operation” rather than heroics. Reports indicate both players improved as the first scrimmage progressed, but neither has fully seized the job yet. The starter will likely be named after the final fall scrimmage.
Running Back: Hill Leads, Injury Opens Door
· RB: Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley
· Injured: AK Dear
Junior Daniel Hill is projected to start after splitting carries last season. He will be a focal point, but sophomore AK Dear, who was a standout in camp, is currently dealing with an injury. As a result, junior Kevin Riley is projected as the RB2 entering Week 1. The position group also features talented freshmen EJ Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown, who will compete for depth roles.
Wide Receiver: Battles Behind the Starters
· WR: Ryan Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, Derek Meadows
· Injured: Noah Rogers
Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks are cemented as starters. NC State transfer Noah Rogers, projected as the third starter, has been dealing with an injury sustained at A-Day. His status remains uncertain, opening the door for others. Sophomore Derek Meadows has emerged as a candidate to start in Rogers’ place, showcasing his size and potential during the spring. Juniors Rico Scott and freshman Cederian Morgan are also competing for reps.
Tight End: A Strong Room
· TE: Kaleb Edwards, Josh Ford
The tight end position is considered a strength. Sophomore Kaleb Edwards, who earned All-SEC Freshman honors in 2025, is expected to start as a pass-catcher. Oklahoma State transfer Josh Ford provides physicality as a blocker. Sophomore Marshall Pritchett also figures into the rotation.
Offensive Line: One Guard Spot, One Tackle Spot Open
· LT: Jackson Lloyd, Tyrell Miller
· LG: Mal Waldrep Jr., William Sanders
· C: Racin Delgatty, Kaden Strayhorn
· RG: Michael Carroll, Ethan Fields
· RT: Jayvin James, Nick Brooks
The offensive line has seen significant progress, but two battles remain. At left guard, Mal Waldrep Jr. has taken control with his “toughness, physicality and intelligence,” according to Grubb, though William Sanders is still pushing for the job. At right tackle, Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James and Texas transfer Nick Brooks are locked in a “neck and neck” competition. The rest of the line appears set: Jackson Lloyd (LT), Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty (C), and Michael Carroll (RG) are the expected starters.
Defensive Line: Bigger and More Physical
· DT: Terrance Green, Kedrick Bingley-Jones
· DT: London Simmons, Edric Hill
· BANDIT: Devan Thompkins, Jah-Marien Latham
Kane Wommack’s defense will feature a bigger, deeper defensive line, a point of emphasis for the coordinator. Oregon transfer Terrance Green and sophomore London Simmons are projected starters inside, with Mississippi State transfer Kedrick Bingley-Jones and Edric Hill in the rotation. USC transfer Devan Thompkins is the starter at the BANDIT position.
Linebacker: Pierre is a Lock, One Spot Remains Open
· WOLF: Yhonzae Pierre, Justin Hill
· ILB: Caleb Woodson, Luke Metz
· ILB: QB Reese, Xavier Griffin
Yhonzae Pierre is locked in as the starter at the “Wolf” position. The primary competition is at inside linebacker alongside senior Caleb Woodson, where QB Reese is currently the favorite. However, true freshman Xavier Griffin and sophomore Luke Metz are making strong impressions and could push for playing time.
Secondary: The Strength of the Team
· CB: Zabien Brown, Carmelo O’Neal
· CB: Dijon Lee Jr., Chuck McDonald III
· S: Bray Hubbard, Ivan Taylor
· S: Keon Sabb, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.
· HUSKY: Red Morgan, Zavier Mincey
Alabama’s secondary appears to be the most settled unit on the team, with multiple players and coaches calling it the best in the country. The starting lineup is veteran-laden: Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee Jr. at cornerback, Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb at safety, and Red Morgan at the “Husky” position. The depth is also impressive, featuring players like Carmelo O’Neal, Ivan Taylor, and Chuck McDonald III.
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With the season opener against East Carolina just weeks away, the final decisions on these competitions will shape Alabama’s identity for the 2026 campaign. Fall camp has provided clarity at several positions, but a few critical battles remain on the table.
