Cederian Morgan Turning Heads Early in Alabama Bowl Prep
Alabama’s Rose Bowl prep has brought a glimpse of the future to Tuscaloosa - and one newcomer is already making waves. Nine members of the Crimson Tide’s highly-ranked 2026 signing class have joined the team for bowl practices, giving coaches and veterans a chance to evaluate the next wave of talent. One name, in particular, is standing out: 4-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan.
Morgan, ranked No. 40 nationally in the 247Sports Composite and No. 3 overall in the state of Alabama, is off to a fast start in his first practices with the team. And it’s not just quiet buzz - both offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and senior wideout Germie Bernard were quick to praise the freshman during media availability.
“He’s going to be a great player here,” Bernard said. “I’m excited to watch his growth.
He’s a big receiver. He listens very well.
He takes coaching. He’s eager to learn.
He’s been really, really good giving our guys on scout team a look.”
Grubb echoed that sentiment, noting Morgan’s early work ethic and impact on the scout team: “I know Cederian has been doing an awesome job over with the scout team for the defense, which is really cool.”
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Morgan already looks the part. He’s the kind of big-bodied target that head coach Kalen DeBoer and Grubb have historically leaned on in their offensive systems - physical, coachable, and ready to compete.
And with his college-ready frame, Morgan’s not just a long-term project. He’s a guy who could push for playing time sooner rather than later.
That opportunity might come even faster given the state of Alabama’s receiver room. Morgan is the only wideout signed in the 2026 class - a clear sign of the staff’s confidence in his upside.
With Bernard out of eligibility and junior Isaiah Horton climbing NFL Draft boards, the door is wide open for someone to step into a bigger role. Add in the inevitable Transfer Portal movement, and Morgan’s early reps in bowl prep could set the tone for a strong spring.
Alabama has been expected to dip into the portal to bolster depth at wide receiver, especially with Bernard departing and Horton potentially turning pro. That still may happen - general manager Courtney Morgan and DeBoer will likely want to bring in at least one more body.
But Morgan’s early performance could shift the calculus. If he continues on this trajectory, he might not just be a depth piece - he could be a contributor from day one.
We’ve seen this before in Tuscaloosa. Ryan Williams made noise as a freshman last year.
Lotzeir Brooks followed suit this season. Cederian Morgan could be next in line - and if these first practices are any indication, he’s not wasting any time making his case.