With SEC Media Days wrapped up in Tampa, the media released its projected order of finish for the conference, along with its projected all-conference first, second, and third teams.
There's more doubt surrounding an Alabama team than there has been since at least the 2008 season, Nick Saban's second on the Crimson Tide sideline.
As Kalen DeBoer said at SEC Media Days this week, Alabama has to "prove it."
Six Alabama players were selected for inclusion across the three All-SEC teams:
1st Team: Ryan Coleman-Williams, Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard
2nd Team: Michael Carroll
3rd Team: Yhonzae Pierre, Keon Sabb
Aside from the silliness of having Pierre as third team when he could realistically lead the SEC in sacks in 2026, let's take a look at five players who could make the selections look foolish come season's end.
5 Alabama players who are flying under the radar for All-SEC selection
RB EJ Crowell
Not to burden the young man with ridiculous expectations, but it's hard to temper them for the 5-star freshman running back. Crowell is one of the most prolific high school runners in the state's history, and he arrives in Tuscaloosa with the look of a player who can immediately help this team, even without getting many reps in spring practice.
Crowell has the goods. He may not begin the season as the Tide's starter, but by the end of the year, there might be no question as to who the alpha is in the Tide's backfield. He could end up having a similar impact on Alabama's offense as Bo Jackson had last season for Ohio State.
C Racin Delgatty
There's fair concern about projected starting center Racin Delgatty's ability to translate to big-time football in the SEC. He played at Cal Poly last season, and playing for Alabama constitutes a massive jump.
But there's a reason he was a coveted player in the Transfer Portal by numerous schools. There's also a reason he was effectively the starting center the moment he stepped on campus. His ability was obvious to the coaching staff.
It was also obvious to former Auburn center turned SEC analyst Cole Cubelic, who had high praise for Delgatty after his commitment.
He might be flying under the radar right now, but Delgatty has a chance to make some believers outside of Tuscaloosa immediately.
LB Caleb Woodson
Alabama needed to add some experience to the linebacker room this offseason after losing its top three off-ball contributors in Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green. They got it with Virginia Tech's Caleb Woodson, who was a two-year starter for the Hokies.
Woodson quickly established himself as the leading man for the Crimson Tide in the middle. He opened eyes right away in practice.
Woodson seems to be a perfect fit for Kane Wommack's defensive scheme, which should allow him to shine.
CB Dijon Lee Jr.
It took little time for the former 5-star Dijon Lee to make his mark as a freshman for Alabama last season. He carved out a role immediately and ultimately displaced senior Domani Jackson in the Tide's starting lineup.
Lee now comes into his sophomore season opposite junior Zabien Brown, arguably giving the Crimson Tide the best CB tandem in the country.
If he can continue to build off his impressive debut season, Lee could finish the 2026 campaign as one of the best defensive backs in college football.
QB Keelon Russell
Now, of course, Keelon Russell still has to win the starting job. But if he does, it's not a difficult leap to imagine him having a Bryce Young-like impact in his first season at the helm. Young, as a redshirt freshman, won the Heisman Trophy and led Alabama to the SEC Championship.
Those are tough expectations to burden Russell with, but the sophomore is undeniably talented and has the potential to become one of the best quarterbacks in college football right away.
He's in a similar position as Ohio State's Julian Sayin was a year ago, and the Buckeyes' QB shook off preseason doubt and finished on the All-Big Ten 2nd team.
There are a lot of talented quarterbacks in the SEC. Russell has the chance to become the best of the best.
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