Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team will hit Nick Saban Field at Bryant Denny Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the annual A-Day Game.
As DeBoer enters year three of his tenure in Tuscaloosa, all eyes will be on the Crimson Tide offense, which has undergone major changes this offseason.
With position battles heating up and new faces looking to make a statement, Saturday’s spring game offers a crucial glimpse into what Alabama’s offense could look like heading into the 2026 season.
Here are five offensive players Alabama football fans should be watching closely during A-Day—ranked from No. 5 to No. 1.
5. Jayvin James (Right Tackle)
GettyAlabama Crimson Tide Football
The offensive line rebuild has been one of the biggest storylines this spring, and Jayvin James is right in the middle of it.
The Mississippi State transfer is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job, as returning starter Michael Carroll has kicked inside to right guard. James’ performance in A-Day will be critical.
If James can hold his own, it would be a major step forward for an offensive line unit looking to reestablish dominance in the trenches.
4. Josh Ford (Tight End)
GettyTight End Josh Ford transferred to Alabama from Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma State transfer tight end Josh Ford could become a bigger part of Alabama’s offense under DeBoer and Ryan Grubb.
Ford is best known for his elite run blocking ability, which should shine during A-Day. Fans should be watching to see if Ford can make an impact as a pass-catcher, too.
If Ford flashes consistency, he could carve out a significant role in the offense this fall.
3. Noah Rogers (Wide Receiver)
GettyKalen DeBoer likes what he has seen from NC State transfer WR Noah Rogers.
Noah Rogers has generated a ton of buzz this spring, and Coach DeBoer has taken notice. The NC State transfer has been one of Alabama’s most consistent receivers and has likely locked down WR No. 3 behind Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzier Brooks.
Fans should watch to see just how much Alabama plans to utilize Rogers in the offense with so many other playmaking options.
2. Kevin Riley (Running Back)
GettyAlabama RB Kevin Riley has impressed Kalen DeBoer this spring.
Another skill player Tide fans should have their eyes on is running back Kevin Riley. Riley stood out in Alabama’s second spring scrimmage and is turning into one of the most consistant backs for the Tide offense.
Riley has always been a bit undersized, but he bulked up a little this offseason, and it appears that has helped his overall game. If Riley can continue to build off what he has done so far this spring, he could prove to be an important piece of the Alabama offense in 2026.
1. Austin Mack / Keelon Russell (Quarterbacks)
GettyAustin Mack of the Alabama Crimson Tide
At the top of the list is the most important position on the field: quarterback.
The battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell will be the headline story of A-Day. This will be the first time that fans will have an opportunity to see each guy lead the offense, and Saturday could prove to be the turning point for one of the talented gun-slingers.
Will one guy separate, or will we leave A-Day with more questions than before?
Either way, their performances will shape the narrative surrounding Alabama football for months to come.
5 Alabama Offensive Players Tide Fans Must Watch on A-Day