Alabama begins training camp with a lot of question marks

August 5, 2026 – TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama began fall camp on Wednesday coming off an excellent 2025 season that saw the Tide play in the SEC Championship game, make the playoffs, and even win a playoff game before falling to eventual National Champion Indiana.

Coack Kalen DeBoer was rewarded in the offseason with a massive $75 million contract extension. Quarterback Ty Simpson elected not to return for 2026 and was rewarded with a first selection in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams.

Figuring out who the next signal caller is for the Tide is a major goal for the Tide as they head into a week one matchup with East Carolina.

Bama fans are waiting on former high school QB five star Keelon Russell to show out and take the QB1 role. Many Bama fans had wanted Russell to be the starter last year, but he was beat out by returning backup QB Ty Simpson. Russell brings a strong arm and stronger legs. If he wins the job, it will give the Tide a dual threat attack the Tide has not had since Jalen Milro. He is 6 foot 3, 200 pounds, and looks the part.

Austin Mack on the other hand – like Simpson – was last year's backup. He waited his turn, was with DeBoer at Washington in 2023 and has spent the last two years behind Simpson and Milro. This is his fourth year in DeBoer's system

"Both signal‑callers looked good on Day 1 of camp," DeBoer said after day 1 of camp. "The players clearly have belief in both Russell and Mack."

While Alabama's offense had a lot of success last year, one area that struggled was the running game. Running Back Jam Miller got hurt before the season, was in and out of the lineup, never really got on track consistently, and his backups struggled to find their legs. Miller is gone and efforts to bring in a big name transfer failed. Junior backs Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley are expected to shoulder the load for the Tide this year. They will need to improve on their 284 and 224 yard performances in 2025 for the Tide to be a consistent running threat.

Improved performance by the offensive line is critical for the Tide to improve the rushing game while protecting a new QB. 6'7" 360 pound Tackle Kadyn Proctor left for the first round of the NFL draft. He leaves big shoes to fill. Red Shirt freshman Jackson Lloyd is expected to fill Procter's Left tackle spot. Michael Carroll at right guard is the only returning starter on the offensive line. Will Sanders, Racin Delgatty, and Jayvin James round out the projected starters on the o-line. A couple of these positions may be up for grabs as competition heats up over the next three weeks.

Alabama got defensive tackles Terrance Green (an Oregon transfer) and Devan Thompkins (a USC transfer) to beef up the defensive line along with Sophomore London Simmons. Thompkins is expected to be the edge rusher that pressures opposing quarterbacks.

Standout wide receiver Ryan Williams (Junior) is back for another year with the Tide. Williams had too many drops in 2025. He will need to improve on that. He is expected to l get some help on the outside from Lotzeir Brooks who was Alabama's first WR off the bench in 2025 and NC State transfer Noah Rogers. Alabama has a lot of returning depth at the receiver position.

Alabama was picked #11 in the preseason coaches poll on Wednesday.

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