2026 Alabama Depth Chart

For Alabama’s quarterbacks, the battle of experience vs. elite talent defines the 2026 outlook. Redshirt junior Austin Mack brings stability after serving as last year’s top backup and may open spring as the nominal starter, but five-star freshman Keelon Russell’s ceiling is simply higher. Russell arrives as the program’s all-time highest-rated QB signee in the modern era, and even in brief 2025 action he flashed special traits reminiscent of a young Bryce Young. If Russell continues to impress, his playmaking ability (and potential rushing contributions) should overtake Mack’s steadiness – a classic floor vs. ceiling dilemma for fantasy managers. Ultimately, Russell’s upside in a pro-spread offense makes him the more enticing QB1 if he wins the job, while Mack’s experience provides a safer (if lower-upside) fallback.

At running back, sophomore Daniel Hill offers a reliable floor but faces pressure from an incoming star. Hill capitalized on late-2025 opportunities and is the safe bet to lead the committee early on, likely handling early downs and goal-line duties. However, true freshman Ezavier “EJ” Crowell – a five-star talent touted as the most dynamic Tide RB since Jahmyr Gibbs – could quickly challenge for the lead role. Crowell’s three-down skill set and explosiveness give him game-breaking upside if he secures enough touches, whereas Hill’s experience and pass-protection skills might keep him heavily involved to start. Redshirt freshman A.K. Dear (with veteran Kevin Riley in reserve) add depth and committee intrigue, but neither has Hill’s current trust or Crowell’s game-changing potential.

Former five-star Ryan Williams and breakout sophomore Lotzeir Brooks profile as Alabama’s top two wideouts, essentially the 1A and 1B in projected target share. Williams is a junior primed for a bounce-back as the go-to receiver, and Brooks is a sophomore coming off a star-making freshman season (including clutch playoff heroics). Transfer Noah Rogers likely slots in as the third receiver, though redshirt sophomore Rico Scott and others will push him for snaps behind the top duo. At tight end, sophomore Kaleb Edwards proved himself as a pass-catcher when pressed into duty last year and now projects as the clear TE1 in routes and red-zone looks. Meanwhile, veteran Danny Lewis Jr. returns mainly as a blocking-focused TE2, which limits his fantasy relevance despite significant playing time. Finally, junior kicker Conor Talty should have plenty of scoring opportunities as Alabama’s K1 given the offense’s strength.