With the NCAA expanding FBS scholarship limits from 85 to 105, college football programs across the country suddenly have 20 more spots to fill - and Alabama isn’t wasting any time getting creative with how it uses them. While some schools are stacking bigger recruiting classes or diving deep into the transfer portal, the Crimson Tide are going straight to the source: their own student body.
Alabama Football Announces Open Walk-On Tryouts
📅 January 27
📍 Mal Moore Indoor Facility
🕕 6:00 PM
📌 Must be a full-time student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours
This isn’t just a publicity stunt. With over 25,000 full-time students enrolled at Alabama, the odds of finding a handful of capable athletes - or at least practice-ready bodies - are better than you might think. And in a post-85 scholarship world, depth matters more than ever.
A Nod to Tradition, with a Modern Twist
Alabama’s move echoes the legacy of storied walk-on programs like Nebraska’s - where players once passed up scholarships at smaller schools just for a shot to wear the Cornhuskers’ red and white. Those weren’t just feel-good stories. Some of those walk-ons became key contributors, the kind of unsung heroes that make championship teams tick.
Now, Alabama is offering that same opportunity to its student body. And let’s be honest - if you’re a full-time student in Tuscaloosa, odds are you’ve at least thought about what it would feel like to don the Crimson Tide jersey, run out of the tunnel at Bryant-Denny, and hear 100,000 fans roar. For a select few, that dream might just inch closer to reality.
The Value of a Walk-On
This isn’t just about finding the next Rudy. Walk-ons play a critical role in building a complete football program.
They fill out scout teams, simulate opposing offenses and defenses, and bring energy to practices. And every once in a while, a walk-on earns more than just respect - they earn playing time, scholarships, and a place in team lore.
With the scholarship expansion, there’s more room to reward those who prove themselves. And with the lack of depth that can come from stretching budgets to land top-tier transfers and five-star recruits, teams like Alabama are smart to look inward.
Alabama’s Backyard Talent Pool
Let’s not forget: Alabama high school football is a goldmine. From programs like Hewitt-Trussville, Clay-Chalkville, Saraland, and Mountain Brook, the state consistently produces elite talent. Not every standout from those programs ends up with a scholarship offer - sometimes it’s about timing, injuries, or simply being overlooked.
Now, those same athletes - who may have hung up their cleats after high school - get one more shot to prove they belong. And with a coaching staff led by Kalen DeBoer, known for maximizing talent and building competitive rosters, you can bet they’ll be watching closely.
No Risk, All Reward
There’s really no downside here. Holding open tryouts is low-cost, high-upside.
At worst, you get a few extra bodies to bolster practice reps. At best?
You unearth a hidden gem who becomes a contributor - or even a fan favorite.
And maybe that’s the real win here. Because beyond the tactical benefits, this move injects a new level of excitement into the program.
It gives students a reason to believe they can be part of something bigger. It connects the team to the campus in a deeper way.
And it reminds everyone - from the five-stars to the walk-ons - that football is still, at its core, about opportunity.
So, come January 27, expect a crowd at the Mal Moore Indoor Facility. Some will be chasing a lifelong dream, others just looking to compete one more time. And somewhere in that group, there might be a player who surprises everyone - except, maybe, themselves.