A team facing a number of questions entering the 2026 season, were any of those answered for Alabama football at SEC media days this past week?
Wednesday morning, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer took the podium in Tampa to speak with the media, and in doing so, shared his thoughts on a number of topics surrounding the Crimson Tide entering 2026. Among those are the Crimson Tide’s ongoing quarterback competition, areas where Alabama can show improvement from 2025, and much more.
Here is a look at three takeaways from DeBoer’s press conference at 2026 SEC media days.
Austin Mack, Keelon Russell still in quarterback competition
The question surrounding who Alabama’s starting quarterback will eventually be was the biggest storyline entering SEC media days, and it remains unanswered exiting the week in Tampa. DeBoer shared his thoughts on where both Mack and Russell sit currently during his media availability, as well as on the looming decision between the two, but gave no timeline on when it might come.
Freshmen will likely make impact yet again
Over his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer and Alabama have seen a number of players step into significant roles as true freshmen, a list that includes the likes of Ryan Coleman-Williams, Zabien Brown, Lotzeir Brooks, and Michael Carroll. DeBoer was asked Wednesday about a pair of true freshmen in particular, EJ Crowell and Cederian Morgan, saying both could easily make an impact in 2026, as could a few others.
Starting offensive line unit remains a question
As for the third takeaway, Alabama’s offensive line remains a question mark entering 2026, with competition during fall camp likely to occur at a few spots. DeBoer mentioned both the physical tools and youth of the offensive line in particular Wednesday, as well as that Alabama will hopefully find a group in fall camp that gels well together.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 takeaways for Alabama football from 2026 SEC media days
