Depth Chart Thursday: Projecting the Alabama Crimson Tide Roster for 2026

Welcome to another edition of Depth Chart Thursday. As we navigate the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season, the Alabama Crimson Tide roster is coming into sharper focus. Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who recently signed a massive contract extension through 2033 at $12.5 million annually, used the April 11 intrasquad A-Day scrimmage to evaluate a team undergoing significant turnover.

The Quarterback Room

The most scrutinized position battle of the spring was under center, as the Tide look to replace first-round NFL Draft pick Ty Simpson. While Austin Mack made it a tight and highly competitive battle, Keelon Russell is officially QB1. Russell will be tasked with executing offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's scheme, with Mack and Jett Thomalla providing essential depth. Grubb enters his second season facing pressure to revitalize the rushing attack and establish a stabilized offense, making Russell's command of the unit paramount.

Offensive Firepower and Retooling the Trenches

Russell will have high-level returning weapons at his disposal, notably playmakers Ryan Williams and Daniel Hill. However, the offensive line requires a massive rebuild after the NFL departures of standout tackle Kadyn Proctor, Parker Brailsford, and Jaeden Roberts. Key returning starters Michael Carroll and Jackson Lloyd will anchor the group. To fortify the trenches, Alabama hit the transfer portal aggressively, bringing in crucial offensive line pieces like Nick Brooks, Ty Haywood, Ethan Fields, and Kaden Strayhorn.

Defensive Reload Under Kane Wommack

Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is also replacing a wealth of talent after Alabama saw 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The losses of defensive cornerstones such as Deontae Lawson, LT Overton, Domani Jackson, and Tim Keenan III have left significant voids. To inject immediate experience, the Tide secured portal additions including Caleb Woodson, Terrance Green, and Desmond Umeozulu. These transfers will be heavily relied upon to round out the defensive depth chart and step into starting roles.

Following a bitter 38-3 defeat to Indiana in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl to cap last season, DeBoer and his staff are leaving no stone unturned. With portal reinforcements integrated and Keelon Russell locked in as the starter, the Crimson Tide's depth chart is officially primed to contend once again.