Every week, we look to identify some under-the-radar players who could make outsized impacts in the game.
With several key players banged up and Alabama looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Georgia, Kalen DeBoer and company could use some X-Factors more than ever this weekend in Knoxville.
Alabama has lost the last two times it has played at Neyland Stadium, and it'll look to break that streak in 2026 and maintain a little bit of a margin-for-error heading into the regular season's final five games.
Here are four under-the-radar options who could be difference-makers in Knoxville.
1. WR Noah Rogers
This has to be the week for Noah Rogers to emerge, right? With Ryan Coleman-Williams sidelined after the head injury last week against Georgia, this feels like the opportunity for the NC State transfer to step up and make his long-awaited impact for the Crimson Tide.
So far, Rogers hasn't seen much playing time since he returned from his injury, with the majority of the snaps going to the three starters: Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, and Rico Scott. But there are a lot more snaps available with Coleman-Williams out, and Rogers and Meadows figure to be the guys who benefit the most.
Rogers' experience will come in handy in a challenging road environment, and if he can play well, it'll go a long way toward Keelon Russell and the passing game finding success.
2. OL Mal Waldrep
This one is contingent on Racin Delgatty being unavailable. If the Cal Poly transfer is out after suffering an injury late against Georgia, sophomore guard Mal Waldrep will slide inside to center and start in his place.
Talk about a tough spot to make your first career start at that position. Not only is Tennessee one of the most challenging road environments in college football, but the Vols also have one of the nation's premier defensive tackles in Xavier Gilliam, who makes life hell for centers and guards every single week.
So not only may Waldrep have to deal with the noise and assist a young quarterback with making checks while focusing on snapping and avoiding catastrophe, but he'll also be lining up against one of the best defensive players in the country.
Welcome to the SEC.
3. DL London Simmons
Another injury to monitor this week is Oregon transfer Terrance Green, who left last week's loss to Georgia near halftime and didn't return. Green has been dealing with a nagging injury for a couple of weeks, and his availability could be crucial this week against a strong Tennessee rushing attack.
If he's out, sophomore London Simmons could see some increased work, and his ability to work off blocks and make some plays in the backfield could make a real difference.
Alabama's defense line struggled to make plays in the second half against Georgia, and that script will need to flip in Knoxville.
4. CB Carmelo O'Neal
I think things are trending toward Mercer transfer Carmelo O'Neal making his first Alabama start this weekend at Tennessee. Based on what Kane Wommack said about Dijon Lee's issues and O'Neal's improvement, I think he's got a chance to supplant Lee, at least for now.
If nothing else, O'Neal should see significant playing time this weekend.
Whether it's Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre at QB this weekend, Alabama's defensive backs should have opportunities to make some plays and produce some takeaways. Both have been loose with the football, and if nothing else, Wommack's defense tends to be opportunistic.
With Zabien Brown on the other side of the field, Tennessee will look to test whoever lines up on the opposite side. If that's O'Neal, he's going to have multiple chances to make a play that could swing the game Alabama's way.
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