There's plenty of intrigue throughout Alabama's roster, particularly with a bevy of young and talented players who are looking to make their mark in Tuscaloosa. There's no more anticipated Alabama debut coming this year, however, than from 5-star freshman RB EJ Crowell.
Alabama and elite running backs have gone hand-in-hand throughout the program's history, which is what made last season's pitiful rushing performance so tough to stomach for Tide fans.
But help is on the way.
While relying on a freshman running back is not always ideal, there are exceptions. Crowell is expected to be an exception.
The 5-star RB is one of the most decorated runners in Alabama high school history. From his freshman through junior seasons of high school, Crowell rushed for over 6300 yards and 91 touchdowns. He was so dominant that he skipped his senior season and enrolled at Alabama.
The one concern is that Crowell missed the bulk of the spring with a lingering injury, but according to Kalen DeBoer, he's expected to be healthy and 100% ready to go in June.
According to ESPN's Billy Tucker, Crowell will be one of the 10 freshmen to watch in college football in 2026. He also believes the freshman star will invoke memories of two all-time Alabama greats.
EJ Crowell's style will be familiar for Alabama fans, says ESPN expert
"Injuries limited Crowell this spring, but we expect plenty of production this fall from the No. 3 RB in the 2026 class, Tucker writes. "There's not a ton of proven production ahead of Crowell after the Crimson Tide missed out on making a splash in the portal. The 210-pounder is a physical, downhill runner with advanced balance. For a fan base accustomed to watching backs such as Derrick Henry and Najee Harris lean on defenses, Crowell's style will seem very familiar."
There may not be a bigger pivot point in the 2026 college football season than whether or not Alabama can effectively run the football. If you could guarantee me right now that the Tide's offensive line will gel together and that the running game will be, at the very least, serviceable - a big upward trend from the disaster of 2025 - then I would tell you that this team is a no-doubt national title contender.
The other pieces are there. One of Austin Mack or Keelon Russell should bring high-level play at the QB position. Alabama has the skill talent at WR, led by Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks. The defense has the potential to be among the nation's absolute best, led by the most talented secondary in the country.
The offensive line coming together and a difference-maker emerging at RB are the biggest question marks for the Crimson Tide. It's also the most important. Because if one, or neither, of those things happens, then Alabama will not only not be a serious title contender, making the playoff would require generational QB play and the best defense in the country.
While the OL remains a big question mark, Crowell is the most talented Alabama RB since Jahmyr Gibbs left for the NFL. It's a matter of when, not if, he becomes a household name.
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