Alabama is flying under the radar itself heading into the 2026 season. Despite a loaded defense and a re-tooled offense that will likely be led by the former No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 class at quarterback, most so-called experts are taking more of a wait-and-see approach with Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide heading into his third season on the sideline in Tuscaloosa.
It's an unfamiliar role for Alabama fans, but welcomed nonetheless.
In ESPN's updated Way-Too-Early Top 25, Alabama came in at No. 16. That should be just another line of motivation for DeBoer and the coaching staff to provide the team for next season.
On Wednesday, ESPN released an article that shouts out an "under-the-radar" player for each projected Top 25 team. The choice for Alabama comes as a bit of a surprise, and one who likely won't be flying under the radar for long, if he is at all.
ESPN tabs Virginia Tech transfer LB Caleb Woodson as Alabama's "under-the-radar" star
""Under the radar" may not describe Woodson, because there should be hype around him coming into 2026. He was a key contributor on Brent Pry's defense at Virginia Tech for three seasons, and he's just a damn good athlete. He used to be a year-round competitive swimmer, starting at the age of 6 and continuing until he was 14. He originally played wide receiver, and decided to switch to defense because when he was going to football camps in his youth, the wide receiver and defensive back lines were long. He's willing to do what needs to be done on the field and should fit in nicely at Alabama"Harry Lyles Jr., ESPN
Caleb Woodson was a massive Transfer Portal win for DeBoer and DC Kane Wommack this offseason, and the Virginia Tech transfer should step in and immediately be the alpha in the middle of the Crimson Tide's defense.
Alabama lost its top three off-ball linebackers from a season ago, with Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green all exhausting their eligibility. The Crimson Tide is excited about its crop of young linebackers, but they needed an experienced player alongside them.
They got that in Woodson, who was a two-year starter for the Hokies and racked up 151 tackles during his time in Blacksburg. Who starts next to Woodson remains unknown, but he was a known starter in the middle the moment he stepped on campus.
Alabama's defense has the potential to be the very best in college football in 2026. There's not a deeper or more talented secondary in the country, and the Crimson Tide appears to have made some significant upgrades on the defensive line. Whether Alabama can reach its full defensive potential will come down to linebacker play, and Woodson may be the most important player on that side of the ball as a result.
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