Putting together a spring game is a lot like hosting a showcase for a work in progress — you want the lights on, the stage set, and enough pieces in place to give fans a real preview of what's coming. For Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football, last year's spring game didn't quite allow that. But in 2026, the Tide appears to be on a much different wavelength this spring as they prepare to go back to their roots ahead of this April's showcase.
This was the vibe many fans and spectators got when they heard Alabama's intention to return to the original formula of an annual Crimson vs. White scrimmage. That change excited many after last year's spring game, which revolved around drills and limited head-to-head action.
These changes later prompted questions from reporters on Tuesday as DeBoer met with media after Alabama's second spring practice. The third-year coach explained what he expects this go-around after these events were announced.
Kalen DeBoer reveals his expectations for A-Day 2026
“We always want to scrimmage and have a great spring game,” DeBoer said. “Last year, we just had two position groups in particular… we wouldn’t have been able to put on a good show. We needed to get something out of the practices. Unfortunately, that was where we were at a year ago. I think we’re in a different spot this year.”
While the format may have many spectators and fans circling the date on the calendar, DeBoer emphasized that the team isn't looking too far ahead. For now, the focus remains on stacking productive practices and letting the results become a natural extension of that work.
“We really haven’t talked about it as a team,” DeBoer said. “We’re just focused on what’s next. We’d love to get out there and have some fun, practice and get better and scrimmage. That’s kind of the expectation that we have for that day. I mean, hopefully nothing crazy happens, but that’s what I would expect for A-Day.”
With that being said, if all goes according to plan, this year's A-Day on April 11th will offer something last year's festivities didn't. That'll be a clearer glimpse of what the 2026 Crimson Tide might look like when the lights officially come on this fall in Saban-Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.