Alabama Adds RB Depth with Transfer of Khalifa Keith, Bolstering Backfield for 2026
Alabama didn’t land its top target out of the portal when NC State’s Hollywood Smothers flipped his commitment late and signed with Texas. That was the swing-and-miss in the Crimson Tide’s pursuit of a home-run addition to the running back room.
But head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff didn’t panic. In fact, they opted not to chase a replacement aggressively, signaling confidence in what’s already in-house for 2026.
That doesn’t mean the Tide stood pat. Alabama still wanted to field six scholarship backs, just like it did last season. And now they’ve hit that number with the addition of Appalachian State transfer Khalifa Keith, who committed during a surprise visit to Tuscaloosa over the weekend.
Keith, a Birmingham native and former Parker High standout, brings size and experience to the room. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, he’s built for the tough yards - think short-yardage and goal-line situations where power matters most. He’s not coming in to compete for the starting job, but he fills a key role: dependable depth.
Let’s take a look at what this means for Alabama’s RB room heading into 2026.
Why Alabama Didn't Force a Splash Signing
After missing on Smothers, Alabama could’ve scoured the portal for another big name. But DeBoer and his staff made a calculated decision - there just wasn’t a back left who clearly upgraded the current roster. And truthfully, the group returning in 2026 already has the tools to improve on last season’s inconsistent ground game.
The trio of Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear is back, and there’s genuine optimism about their development. Add in two incoming freshmen - EJ Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown - and the Tide have five scholarship backs with a blend of experience and upside.
Crowell, in particular, is the name to watch. A 5-star recruit with big-play potential, he’s expected to push for immediate touches, much like Bo Jackson did for Ohio State last year.
Still, running back is one of those positions where depth isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Injuries happen, and the physical toll of the SEC demands a full stable. That’s where Keith comes in.
What Keith Brings to the Table
Keith’s college career hasn’t taken off yet, but he’s not without value. Originally a 3-star prospect in the 2023 class, he signed with Tennessee and spent two seasons in Knoxville, logging 121 yards on 31 carries. He transferred to Appalachian State for the 2025 season, but saw limited action - just three carries for eight yards.
That production won’t turn heads, but Keith’s role at Alabama isn’t about chasing headlines. It’s about giving the Tide a physical, experienced back who can step in if needed - especially in short-yardage or goal-line situations. His size is reminiscent of Daniel Hill’s, and that kind of frame can wear down defenses late in games.
Keith also gives Alabama a local product with something to prove. He’s returning home to Birmingham and joining a backfield where he won’t be the focal point, but he’ll be ready if called upon.
Looking Ahead
This move won’t dominate the offseason headlines, and that’s fine. Alabama didn’t need a splash - it needed stability. With Keith in the fold, the Tide round out a six-man running back room that blends returning experience, high-upside youth, and now, a veteran presence with SEC roots.
The real story in this backfield will unfold over the spring and into the fall: Can Hill, Riley, and Dear take the next step? Will Crowell live up to the 5-star hype and make an immediate impact? And can Alabama’s run game - which sputtered at times in 2025 - find the consistency it needs to support DeBoer’s offense?
Khalifa Keith might not be the headline act, but in a long SEC season, depth matters. And Alabama just got a little deeper.