The spotlight on the Alabama Crimson Tide football team heading into the 2026 season has naturally centered around the quarterback competition. Still, head coach Kalen DeBoer made it clear this week that another position group may ultimately determine just how far Alabama can go this season.
During an appearance with Greg McElroy on Always College Football, DeBoer provided an in-depth breakdown of Alabama’s offensive line, a unit loaded with new faces, transfers, young talent, and major expectations.
“I thought they made a lot of progress,” DeBoer said. “Some new faces, and some young faces.”
While there are still questions surrounding the group, DeBoer’s comments painted the picture of a coaching staff that believes Alabama’s offensive line could develop into one of the team’s biggest strengths by the time the season begins.
Alabama Seeing Rapid Growth From Jackson Lloyd
One of the biggest takeaways from DeBoer’s comments was the praise directed toward projected starting left tackle Jackson Lloyd.
According to DeBoer, Lloyd benefited from reps this spring against Alabama’s stout defensive front.
“We saw what he could be as he continued to grow,” DeBoer said. “Again, it wasn’t perfect every day in practice, but he got his chance here this spring, and he really took those valuable reps against our ones every single day.”
DeBoer even compared Lloyd’s development trajectory to that of quarterback Keelon Russell, noting that his growth should continue rapidly heading into fall camp.
If Lloyd can lock down the blindside tackle position, it would provide Alabama with one of the most important foundational pieces for the offense.
Veteran Presence Emerging Along Alabama’s Interior
DeBoer also discussed several key interior offensive linemen expected to compete for major roles this fall.
Among them was left guard William Sanders, whom DeBoer described as a “homegrown” player capable of taking a major step once fully healthy after dealing with injuries during the spring.
At center, transfer Racin Delgatty continues adjusting after arriving from Cal Poly.
DeBoer praised Delgatty’s football intelligence and technical ability but acknowledged the adjustment from the FCS level to the SEC will take time.
“There is a learning curve,” DeBoer said. “Physicality, every single play is on another level. He’s adjusting well.”
The Alabama coach emphasized that Delgatty still needs a strong summer and fall camp, but the staff clearly believes the upside is there.
Meanwhile, right guard Michael Carroll earned praise after playing significant snaps late last season as a freshman.
“Took a lot of snaps for us the last half of the year,” DeBoer said. “It just was a matter of time for him to get out there on the football field.”
Alabama Counting on SEC Experience at Right Tackle
Perhaps one of the more underrated comments from DeBoer involved transfer tackle Jayvin James.
“No one really knows who he is,” DeBoer said, “but he started a couple of seasons now. The last one in the SEC here at Mississippi State.”
That experience could prove critical for an Alabama offensive line replacing multiple key contributors.
DeBoer also referenced several other newcomers competing for roles, including transfers Ethan Fields, Nick Brooks, Kaden Strayhorn, and Ty Haywood.
Additional returners and young prospects expected to factor into the competition include Mal Waldrep, Casey Poe, JUCO addition Tyrell Miller, and freshmen Bryson Cooley, Chris Booker, Jared Doughty, and Bear Fretwell.
DeBoer Reveals What Alabama’s Offensive Line Must Develop
Despite the optimism, DeBoer repeatedly stressed that chemistry and unity will ultimately determine the ceiling of Alabama’s offensive line.
“It’s a work in progress,” he said.
DeBoer credited offensive line coach Adrian Klemm for establishing the proper mentality and teaching approach within the room.
The Alabama coach also revealed that several offensive linemen voluntarily returned to campus early following a week off in May, signaling the urgency and commitment the group has entering the season.
“They’re back rolling here in the weight room, working together,” DeBoer said.
More importantly, DeBoer emphasized that offensive line success depends on total trust and cohesion.
“If there’s a position group that has got to play together, it’s the offensive line,” he explained.
That message may ultimately define Alabama’s season.
The Crimson Tide clearly has talent up front. The question now is whether that collection of transfers, young players, and returning contributors can quickly become a fully connected unit before SEC play begins.
If they do, Alabama’s offense could become one of the most dangerous groups in college football.
Kalen DeBoer Sends Strong Message About Alabama’s Offensive Line