Alabama’s roster-building approach may not look like the flashiest spending spree in college football, but Courtney Morgan says that should not be confused with a lack of resources.
The Crimson Tide general manager pushed back Wednesday on the idea that Alabama is unwilling - or unable - to pay players. Speaking on the Hey Coach radio show, Morgan said the program’s approach is about being selective, not strapped.
“Let’s get this straight,” Morgan said Wednesday on the Hey Coach radio show. “I think there’s a narrative created Alabama doesn’t want to pay players or doesn’t have money.
That’s not what it is. We are very cautious and risk averse.”
Morgan explained that he and his staff spend time getting to know prospects before deciding whether they want them in the building and whether Alabama wants to invest money in them. He pointed to the 2025 recruiting class as an example of that process paying off.
That class is expected to provide several starters this season, including quarterback Keelon Russell, receiver Lotzeir Brooks, guard Michael Carroll, cornerback Dijon Lee, linebacker Luke Metz and others.
“That’s a testament to us taking the time to evaluate the right people and not take risks with the money we’re being responsible to spend on talent from the university,” Morgan said.
Morgan is entering his third season as Alabama’s general manager after following Kalen DeBoer from Washington. Morgan said he was literally on the plane when DeBoer first landed in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama will open the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Alabama May Be Losing Austin Mack To A Fascinating Portal Fit
Austin Macks time at Alabama appears headed toward an offseason decision, with the quarterback having lost the battle for the starting job to Keelon Russell and now expected to explore the transfer portal after the season. Mack came to Tuscaloosa with a reputation for size, arm talent and long-term upside, but his college rsum is still thin, leaving him in that familiar middle ground for quarterbacks who have shown enough traits to intrigue programs while still needing a clearer path to playing time.
The portal market could make this one worth watching, especially for a Miami team that may soon need help at the position if Darian Mensah departs. For Alabama, it is another reminder of how quickly quarterback rooms can change once a starter is named, and for Mack it could create a fascinating second act somewhere that offers a better runway to develop and play. [Read more 🡒]
SEC Just Drew A New Line In Future Alabama Roster Fights
The SEC has put a fresh boundary around roster building, unanimously approving a rule that keeps member schools from adding former NFL, NBA or WNBA players to their teams. The policy also covers players who have signed with pro football leagues, the G-League or WNBA affiliate teams, and it gives the commissioner power to hand down penalties, including suspensions, if schools cross the line.
For Alabama, the move matters because it narrows one more avenue in the ever-shifting talent market and creates a clearer standard across the league. The SEC is now aligned with the Big Ten in shutting the door on former NFL players in college rosters, a sign that conference leaders want to draw a firmer line as schools keep looking for any competitive edge they can find. [Read more 🡒]
Former Alabama Receiver Is Turning Heads With An Unusual NFL Choice
Germie Bernard is already making an impression in Pittsburgh, and not just because the former Alabama receiver is trying to carve out a role as a rookie for the Steelers. This season, Bernard has chosen to wear a guardian cap over his helmet in games, taking advantage of the NFLs recent approval of the protective gear despite its unusual look.
Bernard explained the decision on Cam Heywards podcast and pointed to the safety benefits of the cap as the reason for going that route. It is an eye-catching choice for a young receiver trying to establish himself, but it also fits a broader conversation around player protection and how some players are willing to embrace new equipment if they think it can help them stay on the field longer. [Read more 🡒]