Kadyn Proctor's exit effectively turns the page on a new era for Alabama on the OL

Kadyn Proctor has joined Parker Brailsford as the second starting Alabama offensive lineman to enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a year of eligibility remaining.

Proctor's decision also closes the book (for the most part) on the Nick Saban era of Crimson Tide offensive linemen.

Proctor's decision to enter the draft is in conjunction with Jaeden Roberts being out of eligibility, along with Wilkin Formby, Olaus Alinen, Roq Montgomery, and Joseph Ionata entering the portal.

The only returning players on the offensive line from 2025 are five first and second-year players, and a third-year player in Ball State transfer Arkel Anugwom. Casey Poe and William Sanders both originally committed and signed with Alabama while Saban was still the head coach, but they never played a snap for him, and Kalen DeBoer and the new coaching staff had to re-recruit them.

For better or worse, the offensive line next season will be 100% DeBoer's. No more square pegs trying to fit in round holes. He will be able to retool the room up front with guys who fit his system instead of trying to force players to fit who don't.

Alabama is completely overhauling the offensive line

Alabama will return one starter on the offensive line next season in Michael Carroll, who took over the starting RT job down the stretch. The four other spots will be manned by new faces.

Along with the six returning offensive linemen, Alabama signed five offensive linemen in the 2026 recruiting class (four high schoolers, 1 JUCO). That gives the Crimson Tide 11 total offensive linemen for next season. You would assume 15 is the minimum they would want to carry up front, so that should lead to at least four additions via the portal.

Alabama is likely looking for at least one tackle, though it wouldn't be a surprise if Jackson Lloyd (LT) and Michael Carroll (RT) are the starters there next year. But with Anugwom joined by just incoming freshmen Jared Doughty, Bryson Cooley, and JUCO transfer Tyrell Miller, an experienced player at tackle feels like a must.

Alabama fans are dreaming of NC State's Jacarrius Peak, though he is one of the most sought-after names in the portal and will demand a major investment. Alabama has also been in contact with Mississippi State's Jimothy Lewis and LSU's DJ Chester. Lewis feels like a depth addition, and Chester is a versatile player who could play any of the five spots, though he struggled mightily at tackle in Baton Rouge.

Alabama could be looking for three starters on the interior. William Sanders got into the rotation a bit this year and will compete for one of the three spots. Casey Poe didn't get on the field, but his sticking around (for now) should tell us that he expects to compete, too.

Alabama's top targets on the interior so far have been Michigan's Kaden Strayhorn and Texas State's Brock Riker. Expect more names to emerge.

DeBoer is focused on getting more athletic up front. Next season, there won't be any more excuses for any performance issues. This roster will be fully his, and year three will give us an indication of whether he's the long-term solution in Tuscaloosa.

You can keep track of all of Alabama's Transfer Portal activity by following this link.