Rashaan Evans Sounds Off: What Alabama Needs to Fix on Both Sides of the Ball in 2026
As Alabama football enters a new chapter under Kalen DeBoer, the offseason brings more than just roster turnover and coaching tweaks-it brings clarity. And for former Crimson Tide linebacker Rashaan Evans, clarity is exactly what this program needs after a season that ended with a thud: a lopsided SEC Championship loss to Georgia, followed by a College Football Playoff exit at the hands of eventual national champion Indiana.
Evans, who helped anchor Alabama’s defense during a national title run, didn’t hold back when reflecting on where the Tide must improve. His message? It starts in the trenches-and it starts now.
Defensive Front Must Lead the Way
When asked what defensive coordinator Kane Wommack needs to focus on heading into his third season, Evans went straight to the foundation.
“For me, as far as improvement, you can start from the frontline-I think that’s the basis of it all,” Evans said during a recent appearance on the Beat Everyone podcast.
He praised some of the edge players for their splash plays, but made it clear: this front wasn’t getting to the quarterback like the dominant Alabama defenses of old. And that, in turn, affected the rest of the unit.
“I think, as far as the secondary, we could also be a bit better at making big plays,” Evans added. “When it comes to making tips and overthrows, causing the run to stay inside… the cornerbacks being able to make big plays when a runner gets to the outside.”
It’s a layered critique, but one that reflects what many Tide fans saw in 2025-a defense that improved statistically, but still lacked the game-wrecking presence Alabama has long been known for.
To Wommack’s credit, the defense did take a step forward. Alabama trimmed its points allowed per game by nearly a touchdown compared to 2024, and the explosive plays that haunted them early on were noticeably reduced.
The result? A more stable, possession-controlling defense.
But stability isn’t the standard in Tuscaloosa. Dominance is.
And Alabama’s already working to address that. The additions of transfer defensive linemen like former Oregon standout Terrance Green and ex-USC disruptor Devan Thompkins suggest a clear priority: build a frontline that can set the tone.
Offense Needs an Identity-and It Starts with the Run Game
Evans didn’t stop at the defense. His evaluation of Alabama’s offense was just as direct-and just as revealing.
“I think they need to commit to that run game,” Evans said, pointing to the lackluster ground attack that left the Tide near the bottom of the national rankings in 2025.
He emphasized that a strong run game doesn’t just chew clock or move chains-it opens up the entire offense. “That offense, that run game allows the quarterback to have the opportunity to be able to spread defenses out. You’ve gotta keep defenses honest.”
When safeties are creeping up without fear of getting beat deep, it’s a sign the offense lacks balance-and Alabama’s did.
Evans also touched on a point that’s been echoed throughout the fan base: understanding personnel. “You’ve gotta go down the list on the running backs that you have,” he said.
“Are they more ground-and-pound type RBs? Are they more scat backs?
Do you need to put them out there on the perimeter and open the offense up?”
It’s a question of identity. What kind of offense does Alabama want to be under DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb? And more importantly, do they have the right pieces in place to make that identity work?
A Rebuilt Offensive Line and New Faces in the Backfield
Alabama’s coaching staff seems to have heard the message loud and clear. This January, the Tide brought in six new offensive linemen through the portal and recruiting ranks, signaling a full-scale rebuild up front. Whether it’s Austin Mack or Keelon Russell under center in 2026, they’ll need better protection-and a more reliable run game-to succeed.
The backfield is also getting a boost. EJ Crowell, a dynamic young runner, joins a group that already includes Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear.
There’s talent in that room. The challenge now is figuring out how to use it effectively.
One of the most telling moves? Alabama parted ways with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic and brought in Adrian Klemm, a veteran coach with a proven track record of developing NFL-ready linemen. That’s not just a change-it’s a statement.
Big Picture: Can DeBoer, Grubb, and Wommack Put It All Together?
There’s no sugarcoating it-Alabama’s 2025 season didn’t meet the standard. But the pieces are in motion to get things back on track.
The defense is trending in the right direction. The offense is undergoing a much-needed identity check.
And the coaching staff is making bold moves to address weaknesses.
For DeBoer, Grubb, and Wommack, 2026 is a pivotal year. Not just to win games, but to prove they can carry the torch in a program where expectations never dip, even during transition.
There’s still work to do. But if Evans’ words are any indication, the blueprint is there.
Build from the trenches. Commit to the run.
And most importantly, know who you are.
Alabama doesn’t rebuild. It reloads. Now it’s time to find out if this new-look Tide can do just that.