Alabama hit the practice field in Tuscaloosa on Sunday morning as preparations ramp up for their Rose Bowl showdown in Los Angeles. With just days to go before the Crimson Tide face Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinal, the energy was focused, the tempo sharp, and there were a few key updates that should catch the attention of Tide fans.
LT Overton Returns to Anchor the D-Line
One of the biggest takeaways from the open portion of practice was the return of defensive lineman LT Overton. The junior starter had missed both the SEC Championship Game against Georgia and the CFP first-round win over Oklahoma due to an undisclosed illness.
On Sunday, though, Overton was back in the mix, leading his unit through drills and looking like a player ready to make an impact on the Rose Bowl stage. His presence up front could be a game-changer against an Indiana offense that’s shown flashes of explosiveness.
Overton’s return was anticipated following reports last week, but seeing him back in pads and moving well is a welcome sight for a defense that’s leaned on his physicality and experience all season.
Kevin Riley Back in the Backfield
Another key returnee: running back Kevin Riley, who was also spotted back at practice after missing the last three games. Riley’s absence had forced Alabama to lean more heavily on its depth at the position, but his return adds another layer of versatility and power to the Tide’s ground game. Whether he’s fully ready to take on a full workload remains to be seen, but even limited snaps from Riley could give Alabama a valuable boost in the semifinal.
Early Enrollees Getting a Head Start
Sunday’s session also gave us a glimpse into the future of Alabama football, as several members of the 2026 signing class were on the field as early enrollees. Among them was quarterback Jett Thomalla, a four-star prospect out of Omaha, who looked poised and focused during drills. Wide receiver Cederian Morgan, from Alexander City, was also present, getting his first taste of the Crimson Tide practice tempo.
While these young players won’t factor into the playoff run, their early involvement speaks to Alabama’s commitment to development and continuity. For Thomalla and Morgan, it’s a chance to absorb the culture, learn the system, and start building chemistry with future teammates.
Coaching Staff Updates
There’s also some movement on the coaching staff, though continuity remains intact for now. Quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan is still with Alabama, despite accepting the offensive coordinator position at Michigan State.
He’s expected to remain with the Crimson Tide through the end of their playoff run. That consistency could be crucial for quarterback preparation heading into the Rose Bowl.
On the other hand, receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard has already departed to begin his new role as head coach at Oregon State. In his absence, analyst Tyler Hughes has stepped in to handle wide receiver coaching duties on an interim basis. Hughes has been around the program and is well-versed in the offensive system, so the transition appears to be a smooth one.
The Soundtrack of Practice
And for those curious about the vibe at practice - yes, the playlist was alive and kicking. During the media viewing window, the speakers pumped out a mix of high-energy tracks, including All of the Lights by Kanye West, Hells Bells by AC/DC, My Hero by Foo Fighters, and For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica. It’s a fitting soundtrack for a team preparing for one of the biggest stages in college football.
With key players back, young talent getting early reps, and the coaching staff holding steady through the postseason, Alabama looks locked in. The Rose Bowl matchup with Indiana is fast approaching, and if Sunday’s practice is any indication, the Crimson Tide are treating every rep like it counts - because from here on out, they all do.