TUSCALOOSA — Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are competing for the starting quarterback position at Alabama. The Crimson Tide face roster turnover and offensive production questions entering the 2026 season after a 2025 campaign marked by defensive strength and rushing struggles.

Alabama is ranked No. 13 as it prepares for a schedule that includes matchups against Florida State on September 19, Georgia on October 10, LSU on November 7, and Auburn on November 28. Kalen DeBoer is in his third year as Alabama's head coach, overseeing a program that finished with an 11-4 record in 2025.

The team lost several key contributors to the professional ranks following the previous season. Ty Simpson was selected in the NFL draft. Simpson served as Alabama's starting quarterback in 2025.

Other players selected in the NFL draft included Germie Bernard, Kadyn Proctor, Deontae Lawson, and Justin Jefferson. These departures remove experienced talent from both sides of the ball as the team looks to rebuild its offensive identity.

Rushing production was an area of difficulty during the 2025 season. Alabama ranked 15th in the SEC in rushing offense in 2025. According to Sports Illustrated, Alabama finished 125th nationally in rushing in 2025, averaging 104.1 yards per game on the ground.

To address these needs, the roster includes new additions via the transfer portal. Devan Thompkins transferred to Alabama from USC. Kedrick Bingley-Jones transferred to Alabama from Mississippi State. Caleb Woodson transferred to Alabama from Virginia Tech.

Additional transfers include Racin Delgatty, who transferred to Alabama from Cal Poly, and Jayvin Jones, who transferred to Alabama from Mississippi State. The team also looks to true freshmen Trae’shawn Brown and EJ Crowell, who are true freshmen running backs for Alabama.

Injury concerns have already impacted the preseason preparations. AK Dear injured an ankle in camp and will be sidelined for several games to start the regular season. This absence affects the depth chart as the competition for playing time continues.

Kane Wommack is in his third year as Alabama's defensive coordinator, guiding a secondary that features several returning starters. Bray Hubbard is an All-SEC safety for Alabama. Keon Sabb is a free safety for Alabama.

The cornerback group includes Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee Jr. who are cornerbacks for Alabama. Red Morgan is a nickelback for Alabama. These defenders provide a foundation for the unit as it aims to replicate its previous success.

The 2025 season included a victory in the postseason. Alabama defeated Oklahoma 34-24 in the opening round of the College Football Playoff in the 2025 season. The College Football Playoff is a postseason tournament for the highest level of American college football.

The season concluded with a loss in a major bowl game. Alabama lost to Indiana 38-3 in the Rose Bowl. This result capped a year where the team achieved double-digit wins but fell short of a championship contention.

Timeline

On that same date, records indicate that Ty Simpson was Alabama's starting quarterback in 2025.

On December 31, 2025, it was recorded that Alabama gained 48 total rushing yards in its final three games of the 2025 season. On December 31, 2025, Alabama's 2025 record was finalized at 11-4. On that date, Alabama ranked third in the SEC in total defense in 2025.

Also on December 31, 2025, Alabama led the SEC in passing defense in 2025, allowing an average of just under 170 yards per game. On December 31, 2025, it was noted that Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley each gained fewer than 300 rushing yards in 2025.

How Sources Differ

Sources present different statistical figures regarding Alabama's yardage averages in 2025. The primary source and Alabama led the SEC in passing defense in 2025, allowing an average of just under 170 yards per game. In contrast, desk_web reports that Alabama finished 125th nationally in rushing in 2025, averaging 104.1 yards per game on the ground.

Why It Matters

The combination of personnel losses to the NFL draft and historically low rushing production creates a challenging environment for the 2026 season. The departure of the starting quarterback and multiple other drafted players requires the program to integrate new transfers and freshmen into key roles while maintaining competitive standards.

The disparity between the top-ranked passing defense and the bottom-tier rushing offense shows a specific area of vulnerability that opponents may target. With the starting quarterback position unsettled and the leading rushers from the previous year gone, the team must establish a new offensive identity to support its defensive strengths and navigate a schedule that includes several high-profile conference opponents.