Alabama football has undertaken a significant offseason overhaul aimed at restoring physical dominance on offense, following a disappointing College Football Playoff appearance that exposed deficiencies in the team’s rushing game.
The Crimson Tide finished next-to-last in the SEC in rushing yards per game last season, a weakness that became glaringly apparent when Indiana dominated Alabama at the line of scrimmage during playoff competition. Coach Kalen DeBoer identified the lack of physicality and inability to impose the team’s will as critical shortcomings that must be addressed. The coach stressed the importance of developing a tougher offensive identity centered on consistent ground production and controlling games through a more powerful approach.
Alabama’s running back corps will feature junior Daniel Hill and redshirt sophomore Kevin Riley as primary options, with contributions expected from AK Dear and true freshman EJ Crowell. The program has significantly rebuilt its offensive line through both player development and transfer portal acquisitions. Offensive tackles Kadyn Proctor and center Parker Brailsford departed for the NFL Draft, prompting Alabama to add 11 new players up front and hire new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm. The projected starting five includes redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd at left tackle, sophomores William Sanders and Michael Carroll at guard, fourth-year junior Racin Delgatty at center, and junior Jayvin James at right tackle.
DeBoer acknowledged the group requires significant development and emphasized the need for improved execution, communication, and coordination among linemen. Alabama recorded just 42 rushing plays of at least 10 yards last season, its lowest total in more than a decade, and struggled to generate consistent movement during spring practice. The upcoming season will test whether the program can restore the physicality and line-of-scrimmage dominance that once characterized Alabama football. The team opens its schedule against East Carolina on Sept. 5 before facing demanding SEC opponents including Kentucky, South Carolina, and Florida State in the opening month.
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