The Alabama Crimson Tide are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while all eyes might be on how Kalen DeBoer molds this team in his first full year at the helm, one question stands out: who’s going to take the reins in the backfield?
With spring practices right around the corner, the running back room is as deep as it is intriguing. Alabama has six backs lined up for 2026, and while that kind of depth is a luxury most programs dream of, it also means there’s a serious competition brewing in Tuscaloosa.
Let’s start with the returners. Junior Daniel Hill is the most experienced of the bunch, and he’ll likely be a steady presence in the room. Hill’s physicality and vision give him the potential to be a workhorse, and after a couple of seasons in the system, he’s got the kind of familiarity that could earn him early reps.
Then there’s redshirt sophomore Kevin Riley, a player who flashed upside in limited action. Riley brings a different gear to the table - he’s got the speed to break off chunk plays and the kind of burst that can change a drive in an instant. If he can show more consistency and improve in pass protection, he’ll be hard to keep off the field.
Redshirt freshman AK Dear rounds out the trio of returners. While he hasn’t seen meaningful game action yet, he’s had a year to develop physically and mentally. Dear is a bit of a wild card - not much tape to go off of, but plenty of potential.
And then comes the fresh blood. Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class brought in five-star talent Ezavier Crowell, a player with all the tools to be a future star.
Crowell’s combination of size, speed, and balance makes him a nightmare for defenders once he gets into the second level. He’s the kind of back who could push for playing time early, even in a crowded room.
Alongside him is three-star Trae’shawn Brown - a different profile but still a valuable piece. Brown’s game is built on quickness and vision, and while he may not be the headliner of the class, he’s got the kind of skill set that could thrive in the right role, especially in situational packages or third-down looks.
The final piece to the puzzle is Khalifa Keith, a transfer from Appalachian State. Keith brings college experience and physical maturity, and that could be a major asset.
He’s a tough, downhill runner who isn’t afraid to get the tough yards. In a room full of younger players, Keith’s veteran presence could be a stabilizing force - and don’t be surprised if he carves out a role as a short-yardage or goal-line specialist.
So, what does this all mean for Alabama’s offense? It means DeBoer and his staff have options - and a lot of them.
The competition this spring will be fierce, and that’s exactly what you want in a program that prides itself on depth and development. Whether it’s Hill’s experience, Riley’s speed, Crowell’s star potential, or Keith’s veteran savvy, the Crimson Tide have the pieces to build a dynamic rushing attack.
The only question now is: who’s going to separate themselves when the pads come on?