Alabama’s Third-Year Test: DeBoer Faces Low-Key Spotlight, QB Battle, and a Run-Game Revival

At the 2026 SEC Media Days in Tampa, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the program’s direction entering his third season. He discussed the muted national buzz, the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, and a renewed emphasis on a consistent rushing attack.

USA Today

DeBoer succeeded Nick Saban after the latter’s 2023 retirement. In his first two seasons the Crimson Tide posted a 20-8 overall record (11-4 in SEC play, 7-1 in 2025) and reached the College Football Playoff, losing 38-3 to Indiana in the Rose Bowl. The defeat highlighted defensive lapses and a ground game that ranked 126th nationally in yards per rush (3.4 ypc) and 132nd in rushes per first down (19.9).

SEC Media Days: Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer (VIDEO) (3rd year, 20-8 overall, 11-4, 7-1 in 2025, hosts USC on September 26) – SportsTalkSC

DeBoer said “there will be doubt” given the program’s expectations and that the priority is to “run the football better,” linking a stronger rushing attack to improved quarterback protection. He highlighted true-freshmen E.J. Crowell (RB) and Cederian Morgan (WR) as immediate contributors and praised a “younger” offensive line with transfers Jayvin James (Mississippi State) and Nick Brooks (Texas) that he expects to “gel” in fall camp. He also noted that “Alabama has the personnel on defense to be a contending team.”

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Re-establishing a dominant rushing attack could determine whether the Tide remains a national-title contender or settles for a mid-tier SEC finish. A stronger ground game should open up play-calling, protect the quarterback, and reduce reliance on explosive passing plays limited by the 2025 defensive scheme. The unresolved quarterback battle adds uncertainty, while the influx of transfers and freshmen tests the program’s cultural cohesion—a point Saban highlighted as a potential risk.

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• July 22, 2026 – SEC Media Days; DeBoer outlines priorities.

USA Today

• September 26, 2026 (scheduled) – Alabama opens the season at home against USC.

The quietest, but most-telling Alabama football story coming out of SEC Media Days

• “we understand there will be doubt.” — Kalen DeBoer

247Sports

• “I’d love to have the guy decided already,” — Kalen DeBoer

Heavy

• “We want to be able to run the football better,” — Kalen DeBoer

Kalen DeBoer puts Alabama's biggest offensive weakness front and center

• “I think the one thing about Alabama this year is that they're flying under the radar a little bit, a little bit unknown," Saban said.” — Nick Saban

Sports Illustrated