What we learned about Alabama football at 2026 SEC Media Days

TAMPA, Fla. — Kalen DeBoer knows the expectations Alabama football faces in 2026.

It's a continuation of the expectations he's faced since he became the Crimson Tide's head coach in 2024, an expectations DeBoer admits Alabama fell short of internally in 2025. As the 2026 season approaches, DeBoer's focus is, simply, improvement.

"We got to address our weaknesses," DeBoer said. "Got to make sure we continue to keep our strengths in order in who we are, understanding our identity, and continue to learn from those things that have happened to us both good and bad. Be better, you know, and focus on what we can control, and that's the in next play, next moment, the next game, whatever is in front of us."

Here are the things we learned about Alabama at 2026 SEC Media Days.

The Alabama football QB battle has just begun

Whether it was DeBoer or wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, talk about Alabama's quarterback battle leaned more toward shared traits between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell than what separated each one. Alabama's representatives repeatedly said that whoever is named as the Crimson Tide's quarterback will have the backing and confidence in the rest of the roster. The conversation remains the same. Mack has the experience and confidence. Russell has the explosiveness and excitement. And Alabama is in no rush to name its starter with DeBoer citing that he and his staff will use continue to use fall scrimmages as battle checkpoints.

EJ Crowell will get a chance to lead Alabama run game

Before DeBoer was asked a single question, he pointed to the Alabama run game as the point of emphasis, one that has been and will continue to be "addressed and stressed." And while Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley have shown physical transformations before 2026, DeBoer isn't downplaying the hype surrounding five-star freshman EJ Crowell, telling SEC Network that Crowell is "a piece of the puzzle." DeBoer also highlighted Crowell and wide receiver Cederian Morgan as potential contributors in a freshman class the coach said isn't expected to play a significant role compared to 2025.

Alabama is confident in its defensive backfield

Alabama made it clear where its confidence lies defensively solely in who it brought to SEC Media Days. Safety Bray Hubbard and cornerback Zabien Brown spoke about the number of reps the Crimson Tide brings into 2026 together, reps that have developed a level of confidence and expectation for the unit as a whole regardless of who is rushing the passer or manning the green dot at linebacker.

Ryan Coleman-Williams' trajectory could define Alabama 2026 season

Alabama may not know who its starting quarterback will be going into its opener against East Carolina, but it does know who its main pass catcher will be. Coleman-Williams has his share of weight behind his junior campaign, one fans hope to be a return to form for a prospect that already faces his share of NFL draft buzz. Throughout the Crimson Tide's time at SEC Media Days, the focus on Coleman-Williams was about his leadership, his ability to set the tone for an offense that has its fair share of questions. Alabama needs Coleman-Williams in 2026, and based on the confidence he exuded at SEC Media Days, the 19-year-old seems ready to take that stage.

Alabama's biggest position battle may be on special teams

Alabama has its share of position battles to be decided in 2026. But none may be more impactful than the one at kicker. DeBoer was extremely complimentary of Conor Talty, who struggled in 2025. DeBoer lauded Talty's ability to mentally recover, but said the kicker is working on making sure he's consistent and steady. Lorcan Quinn, the Marshall transfer, has distance and accuracy on his side, but not experience on an SEC stage. DeBoer made it clear that both have the ability and both can do the job, but did not name the starter.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter or Instagram @colingaytnews. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What we learned about Alabama football at 2026 SEC Media Days