Alabama’s offensive line is heading into a full-scale reset - and that might be exactly what the Crimson Tide need.
With Chris Kapilovic no longer at the helm and six of the seven 2025 starters moving on, the next offensive line coach walks into a room that’s more blank slate than rebuild. That’s rare in college football, especially at a program with Alabama’s pedigree.
But it’s also a massive opportunity - and a critical one. Because if the Tide want to get back to punishing defenses the way they’re used to, the offensive line has to be much more than a work in progress.
It has to be a strength.
Here are three key priorities the new coach will need to lock in on from Day 1.
1. Settle the Starting Five - and Stick With It
Last season, Alabama never quite found its rhythm up front. The offensive line was a revolving door, with different combinations trotted out week to week.
That kind of rotation might work in theory - keep guys fresh, build competition - but in practice, it often leads to miscommunication, missed assignments, and a lack of chemistry. And in the trenches, chemistry matters more than just about anywhere else on the field.
The offensive line operates as a unit. If one guy misses a block or misreads a stunt, the whole play can fall apart.
That’s why continuity is so important. It’s not just about finding the five most talented linemen - it’s about finding the five who work best together.
The new coach needs to identify that group early in camp, let them grow together, and give them time to build the kind of cohesion that can anchor an offense.
2. Get Tougher in the Run Game
Alabama’s run blocking last year was inconsistent - and that’s putting it kindly. Yes, there were flashes.
But too often, the Tide struggled to get push at the point of attack, especially in short-yardage situations. That’s not the Alabama fans are used to seeing.
With most of the 2025 line moving on, this isn’t about fixing old habits - it’s about setting the tone for a new group. That starts with technique, sure.
But it’s also about attitude. Alabama needs linemen who take pride in moving defenders off the ball, who understand that a 1-yard gain on 4th-and-1 can be the difference between a win and a loss.
It’s not just about the big runs. It’s about the dirty yards - the ones that keep drives alive, wear down defenses, and send a message. The new coach has to build a line that can deliver those yards consistently.
3. Balance Potential With Proven Experience
There’s no shortage of talent in the offensive line room. Young players like Jackson Lloyd (6-7, 318), along with transfer portal additions like Kaden Strayhorn (6-2, 308 from Michigan) and Ty Haywood (6-5, 316 from Michigan), bring size and upside. But there’s also a learning curve - and in the SEC, that curve can be brutal.
At the same time, Alabama does have some experienced pieces to work with. Michael Carroll (6-6, 310) returns after seeing action as a freshman, and veterans like Racin Delgatty (6-3, 300 from Cal Poly) and Jayvin James (6-5, 330 from Mississippi State) bring valuable reps and maturity.
The challenge for the new coach will be finding the right mix. Do you lean into the upside of the younger guys, or trust the steadiness of the veterans?
The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. The best lines usually feature a blend - a couple of war-tested anchors alongside rising stars who can grow into dominant players.
Bottom line: Alabama’s offensive line has a lot of questions heading into 2026. But it also has a rare chance to redefine itself.
With a new coach, a clean slate, and a room full of untapped potential, the Tide have the pieces to build something special in the trenches. Now it’s about putting those pieces together - and doing it fast.
Because in Tuscaloosa, the standard never changes.