Building up the TE room has been a priority for Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, and the 2026 group should finally start looking exactly like he wants it.
Big, physical bodies who can be mismatches, whether covered by linebackers or defensive backs. The TE is an integral part of DeBoer and Ryan Grubb's offensive system, and they'll be perfect safety valves for a new starting QB in either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell.
Even after losing Josh Cuevas, there's a lot of talent in the room. You've got traditional pass catchers like Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett, who should develop more as blockers in their second years in the system.
Then you have the addition of Oklahoma State transfer Josh Ford, who is more of an in-line tight end that should fill the massive void that was left by Robbie Ouzts a year ago, one Alabama failed to replace and one that was severely detrimental, especially to the running game.
Kalen DeBoer praised three Alabama tight ends after the 2nd scrimmage of spring
Edwards flashed as a freshman, catching 11 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. At 6-foot-6 and 260+ pounds, Edwards is a matchup nightmare with his big build and WR skills. Edwards made an impact last season and carved out a starting role despite not enrolling early. He's making the most of his first spring in Tuscaloosa.
“He didn’t have a spring and came in the summer, and so he wasn’t an early enrollee a year ago, so he got thrown in the fire with very few reps," DeBoer said about Edwards. "Seeing his development, both with the strength in an offseason and then just his familiarity and how confident he is, I think it’s showing up.
Pritchett found a role as a freshman, but is expected to take a sizeable leap from year one to year two, and with Cuevas gone, he's likely to see a lot more of an opportunity. He's putting together a good spring, culminating with a strong performance during Friday's scrimmage.
"Marshall had a nice scrimmage today. It’s probably one of his better showings that I’ve seen as far as not just doing what you’re supposed to do but standing out and making some plays," DeBoer said.
Ford, the Oklahoma State transfer, is not only drawing rave reviews from his coaches, he's earning praise from his teammates as well. Ford was the first Transfer Portal commitment for the Crimson Tide, and his addition has flown under the radar. When all is said and done, he might have as big an impact on the Crimson Tide's ability to win games as any offseason addition.
"Josh is a guy that brings a demeanor," DeBoer said. ... Bray Hubbard shouted him out. And talked about his demeanor and him coming across on blocks, and coming up the field on blocks, and he’s got a full head of steam coming at you, and he ain’t really scared of anyone. So it’s really good to see. And probably one of the biggest claps in the shoutouts was for Josh. So, that’s someone you can see even when you’re not around the guys all the time, someone behind the scenes that seems to have the guys rallying around him and appreciate what he’s bringing.”
Ford will bring a physical edge that was missing a season ago in the Alabama TE room. He should serve as the perfect complement to Edwards and Pritchett, giving the Crimson Tide a versatile, deep, and physical group of tight ends that can take the offense up a notch.