Alabama has plenty of star power heading into the 2026 season. The QB position appears to be in good hands with either Keelon Russell or Austin Mack; Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks give the Crimson Tide a dynamic duo at WR, and most expect the Crimson Tide to field one of the nation's most elite defenses this season.
But for Alabama to reach its full potential, which would include making the College Football Playoff and being legitimate contenders for the national title, it'll need some breakout stars to emerge from impressive freshmen and sophomore classes.
Kalen DeBoer will have his youngest team yet in Tuscaloosa this season. The Crimson Tide will have to rely on growth from first- and second-year players in order to be serious contenders. The talent is certainly real, but how quickly that talent can grow will make all the difference in 2026.
Alabama needs these 5 players to breakout in 2026
5. DL Steve Bolo Mboumoua
Alabama has increased the talent and depth of its defensive line this offseason. Most notably, Kane Wommack has three talented and experienced transfers to work with in Devan Thompkins (USC), Terrance Green (Oregon), and Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Mississippi State).
But arguably the most intriguing defensive lineman on the roster is Mboumoua, who flashed his raw strength and physical ability in garbage-time snaps last season. Entering his second season with the Crimson Tide, Mboumoua is technically a junior after spending the 2024 season at a junior college, but he could be a major beneficiary of the new five-for-five rule, giving him three more seasons to play.
Mboumoua may have the most upside in the room, and while he's unlikely to be a starter, the expectation is that he'll be ready to provide some quality snaps this season. If the lights click for him, he could be one of the biggest breakout stars in the SEC.
4. S Ivan Taylor
Could Alabama see another Dijon Lee/Domani Jackson situation in the secondary in 2026?
Alabama returns both starting safeties from last season in Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, but keeping rising sophomore Ivan Taylor off the field won't be easy. He made major strides as a freshman last season and impressed in spring practice.
Hubbard's spot seems safe as a likely team captain, but Sabb could be on the chopping block through no fault of his own. Sometimes talent is undeniable. Taylor could force his way onto the field in the fall.
3. WR Cederian Morgan
Alabama's offense, in particular, will need the youth to step up. Morgan appears set to do just that.
The top high school receiver in the state during the 2026 cycle, Morgan has a big opportunity in front of him after NC State transfer Noah Rogers was injured during the A-Day scrimmage. Rogers is expected to miss at least some of the 2026 season, and Morgan appears to be in a three-way competition to start alongside Coleman-Williams and Brooks.
Morgan is competing with redshirt sophomore Rico Scott and true sophomore Derek Meadows for the role. Given DeBoer's love of size at the receiver position, you have to figure the competition is truly between Morgan and Meadows.
Morgan had a terrific spring and certainly looks the part of a player who can make a real difference as a freshman.
2. TE Kaleb Edwards
Edwards is the only player on this list who played a prominent role for the 2025 team. As a freshman, Edwards appeared in all 15 of Alabama's games and made six starts. He caught 11 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. He figures to be the Tide's featured receiving tight end this season, with Oklahoma State transfer Josh Ford taking over the in-line blocking TE role.
Edwards is listed at 6-foot-6 and 268 pounds with a receiver skill set. With a year of experience under his belt, he could be a real weapon for the Crimson Tide in 2026.
With Josh Cuevas gone, Russell or Mack will be looking for the same kind of safety valve that Ty Simpson had in Cuevas. Edwards projects to be that guy, with a lot more upside.
1. RB EJ Crowell
There is a whole lot of weight being put on the shoulders of 5-star freshman RB EJ Crowell, especially considering he missed the majority of spring practice with an injury.
But Alabama is desperate for a real difference-maker in the RB room, and Crowell is the most talented RB to come through the program since Jahmyr Gibbs spent a year in Tuscaloosa before entering the NFL Draft.
Crowell is one of the most decorated runners in the state's history, and he arrives in Tuscaloosa with high expectations and a real chance to earn a featured role right away.
Daniel Hill is the projected starter at this point, but Crowell's upside could be just what the doctor ordered for an Alabama team coming off one of the worst rushing seasons in program history.
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