The QB competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack might dominate the headlines this offseason, but Alabama fans know that the most important thing for Kalen DeBoer and the offensive staff to figure out is how to fix the beleaguered ground game.
Either Russell or Mack could be elite at QB next season, and it won't lead to more offensive success than Alabama had in 2025 if the Crimson Tide cannot effectively run the football. That starts with the offensive line, obviously, and DeBoer completely retooled that room with 11 newcomers between the high school and Transfer Portal classes.
But Alabama also needs more out of a RB room that has lacked a true difference-maker since Jahmyr Gibbs left following the 2022 season.
Alabama had one of the worst rushing offenses in college football last season, with the backs and offensive line sharing the burden of blame.
There's reason for optimism that things will be better in 2026, particularly thanks to the potential added dynamic of Russell's legs in RPOs. But Alabama will need organic growth from the RB room and for 5-star freshman EJ Crowell to deliver on his recruiting promise.
They'll need that thanks to a couple of major losses in the room over the last two offseasons, both of which were exacerbated by ESPN's ranking of the nation's Top 10 runners heading into next season.
ESPN ranks both Hollywood Smothers and Justice Haynes among the nation's Top 10 RBs
ESPN's Eli Lederman and Max Olson put together a ranking of the Top 10 running backs in college football heading into the 2026 season. No Alabama player made the list, predictably, but one former Tide player and one former Tide commitment did make the list.
Texas' Hollywood Smothers came in at No. 6 with Georgia Tech's Justice Haynes slotting in at No. 8.
Smothers had a big year at NC State in 2025 and originally committed to Alabama out of the Transfer Portal, but DeBoer and company never secured his signature. He then took a visit to Texas and ultimately flipped his commitment to the Longhorns in what was a devastating early blow in the portal for the Crimson Tide.
Haynes spent two seasons at Alabama and never gained much traction to live up to his 5-star billing as a recruit. But he was an immediate impact player for Michigan last season before he got injured. Haynes racked up 857 yards and 10 touchdowns on 7.1 yards per carry in just seven games for the Wolverines.
Surprisingly, Haynes re-entered the Transfer Portal after a year in Ann Arbor and ultimately ended up at Georgia Tech, where he is expected to be the focal point of Brent Key's offense.
Either player would have been impactful for Alabama in 2026, but there is enough talent in the Tide's RB room to bounce back in a big way next season.
Daniel Hill has worked hard this offseason to shed a little weight to get more explosive. He was, when healthy, the best running back on the roster a year ago.
Alabama has signed elite running backs in back-to-back cycles now with Crowell in 2026 and AK Dear in 2025. They also appear to have uncovered a gem in 3-star Trae'shawn Brown, who had an eye-opening spring.
All of those guys don't have to contribute, but if a couple of them can take big steps and Alabama's offensive line comes together, DeBoer and Ryan Grubb could see a significant jump on the offensive side of the ball.
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