Depth Chart Thursday: Projected Starters and Battles for Alabama in Spring 2026

As the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season pushes forward, the Alabama Crimson Tide are taking a hard look at their roster on this Depth Chart Thursday. Following an 11-4 campaign that ended in a disappointing 38-3 blowout loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, head coach Kalen DeBoer has been aggressively retooling the program through the transfer portal. With DeBoer recently signing a contract extension through the 2033 season, the foundation is set, but the immediate depth chart features several new faces following the April 11 spring game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Quarterback Room

The most highly publicized position battle of the spring was under center, as offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb looked to replace Ty Simpson, who was selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The competition primarily featured Keelon Russell and Austin Mack. Exiting spring camp, Keelon Russell has secured the QB1 position, with Mack and Jett Thomalla rounding out the quarterback depth chart.

Offensive Retooling

Russell will be operating an offense that must replace key NFL departures, including offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who was taken back-to-back with Simpson in the first round. Other major offensive losses to the NFL Draft include Germie Bernard, Parker Brailsford, Jam Miller, and Jaeden Roberts. To fill these gaps, Alabama has leaned heavily on the transfer portal, bringing in offensive talent like Hollywood Smothers, Josh Ford, Nick Brooks, Ty Haywood, and Caleb Smith.

Defensive Identity

On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is looking to establish a dominant identity. The defense has lost significant contributors to the NFL, including Deontae Lawson, Tim Keenan III, and Domani Jackson, as well as several transfer portal exits like James Smith, Qua Russaw, and Keon Keeley. However, the secondary returns a wealth of talent to anchor the defense, featuring key returning starters Zabien Brown, Dijon Lee, Keon Sabb, and Bray Hubbard. Up front, returning starter Yhonzae Pierre will help anchor a deep defensive line, reinforced by incoming transfers such as Kedrick Bingley-Jones, Desmond Umeozulu, Terrance Green, and Ethan Fields.

As Alabama navigates the remainder of the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season, the Crimson Tide's depth chart will rely heavily on these returning stars and incoming transfers to bounce back from their playoff exit and contend for an SEC crown.