Down at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama’s pipeline of talent was on full display-not just in the form of players preparing for the NFL, but also in the names they’re already hyping up for the 2026 season. Former Crimson Tide defensive tackle Tim Keenan III, now auditioning for pro scouts, took a moment after practice to spotlight the next wave of Alabama defenders he believes fans should keep an eye on.
“Of course, London Simmons,” Keenan said confidently. “He had a great year last year.” Simmons, a fellow defensive lineman, is poised to take on a larger role in the trenches, and Keenan’s mention of him wasn’t just a throwaway-he knows what it takes to thrive in that position, and Simmons clearly has the tools.
Keenan didn’t stop there. He rattled off more names like Jeremiah Beaman, Isaia Faga, and Kevonte Henry-young linemen who’ve been grinding in the shadows but could be ready to step into the spotlight.
And then there’s a new face: Terrance Green, a transfer from Oregon. “Everything going on with that, we’re going to be good,” Keenan added, hinting at the kind of depth and versatility Alabama’s defensive front could have with Green in the mix.
Keenan is one of three former Tide players participating in Senior Bowl practices this week, joined by defensive lineman LT Overton and tight end Josh Cuevas. Like Keenan, both were asked about the next generation in Tuscaloosa-and they didn’t disappoint.
Cuevas, who transferred into Alabama and made his mark at tight end, kept things broad but optimistic. “Hopefully my young guys in the tight end room get a lot of catches this year,” he said.
“Get the run game going a little bit more.” He also noted the arrival of a new offensive line coach and the energy that’s already building in the facility.
“I’ve been getting updates about all that stuff,” Cuevas said. “I already know a lot of guys in the building are excited.
They’re getting ready to work out and kind of get back out there again.”
While Cuevas didn’t name names, Overton was more specific. “Definitely my boy Edric Hill,” he said when asked who to watch. “Him and Dijon Lee.”
Hill, a defensive lineman entering his fourth year with the program, played in 15 games last season and made three starts. He’s a veteran presence who understands the system and brings a steady hand to the defensive front. Overton praised Hill’s understanding of the scheme and his ability to carry himself like a leader.
As for Dijon Lee, the cornerback is heading into his second season after playing in every game and starting five as a freshman. He’s expected to line up opposite Zabien Brown in the secondary.
According to Overton, Lee’s already showing signs of being a difference-maker. “They can bring like a different type of want to, a grit to that defense,” he said.
“I know Dijon being a young guy … picked up a lot, taking in a lot from the older guys that are over him especially in the DB and safety core.”
What’s clear from these conversations is that Alabama’s future is in good hands-and the players who’ve just left the program are still deeply invested in what comes next. Whether it’s the development of young linemen, the emergence of a new lockdown corner, or the evolution of the tight end group, there’s no shortage of excitement building in Tuscaloosa. The names may be new to some fans now, but if Keenan, Overton, and Cuevas are right, they won’t be for long.