Alabama has taken steps to improve the defensive line for the 2026 season with the additions of transfers Devan Thompkins (USC), Terrance Green (Oregon), and Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Mississippi State).
But Alabama also has some intriguing returning pieces up front who, through organic growth, should help the Crimson Tide take that next step.
One of the players many thought was in line for a breakout season a year ago is rising redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Beaman. The Birmingham native had an incredible body transformation last year and was in line for a big role.
With Tim Keenan missing the opener against Florida State, Beaman stepped in and started in Tallahassee. He unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury in practice the following week that really hampered Alabama's defensive line depth.
Now, Beaman is flying a bit under the radar as he continues to recover from the knee injury that cost him the 2025 season. There's good news on that front, however, as Beaman is evidently ahead of schedule in his recovery:
Alabama DL Jeremiah Beaman is 'ahead of schedule' in his recovery from injury, @CoachL__ tells BOL.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) May 8, 2026
"I think people are gonna be pretty impressed. He was running yesterday at top speed and being able to slow down, as well."
🔗 https://t.co/OSIxlesT80 (On3+) pic.twitter.com/LHiMDRbjrr
Jeremiah Beaman's return will be huge for Alabama's depth on the DL
Kane Wommack should have his best defense yet in Tuscaloosa in 2026. Alabama has the deepest and most talented secondary in the country, and Kalen DeBoer and company have done excellent work increasing the talent up front on the defensive line.
With the trio of transfers in the fold alongside returning contributors like Beaman, London Simmons, Steve Bolo Mboumoua, Isaia Faga, and Edric Hill, among others, Alabama is deep and multiple up front.
Beaman was in line for a monster role a year ago. He's one of the strongest players on the team and should help hold the point of attack for Alabama as the Tide looks to replace Keenan.
As good as Alabama's defense was a year ago, it was a step from elite because of an inability to consistently stop the run. The SEC Championship Game and the Rose Bowl were both eye-openers for Tide fans and the coaching staff in the need to get bigger, stronger, and more physical on both lines of scrimmage.
No matter how much things change in football, one thing always remains true: the team that can control the line of scrimmage often wins the game.
Beaman getting back to full strength would go a long way toward Alabama being able to do that.
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