For Alabama fans, how things shake out for the offensive line in fall camp is just as intriguing as the QB battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. It's arguably even more important.
Most fans agree that the Crimson Tide can play winning football with either Mack or Russell under center. But improvement on the offensive line is non-negotiable for Alabama to become a legitimate contender again.
Spring practice brought more clarity than anyone originally thought up front. Alabama seemed to nail down three starters with Jackson Lloyd at LT, Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty at C, and Michael Carroll at RG or RT.
Based on one subtle move at SEC Media Days, Alabama may feel confident with one other starter, too.
Per the Tuscaloosa News' Colin Gay, the Crimson Tide submitted junior guard William Sanders for All-SEC consideration by the media:
Alabama OL William Sanders was submitted for consideration for the All-SEC media team by the Crimson Tide.
— Colin Gay (@_ColinGay) July 23, 2026
Missed spring with an injury, but widely considered as a favorite to fill the other guard spot with Michael Carroll. @tuscaloosanews
Alabama appears confident in Williams Sanders' ability to start at LG
Sanders played a role for the Crimson Tide as a sophomore last season, often earning reps as an extra lineman when Alabama was looking to get more beef on the field. He played in all 15 games and always seemed likely to take one of the three starting spots on the interior as a junior.
Unfortunately for Sanders, he missed all of spring practice with an injury, which didn't allow him to put a stranglehold on the left guard spot. It appears the coaching staff feels pretty confident heading into fall camp that the spot will be his.
That would give Alabama further clarity on the offensive line, meaning there could be only one spot up for grabs by the time fall camp rolls around.
Sanders would slot in at LG next to Lloyd at LT. Delgatty is at center, and Carroll will likely be the right guard, but could also play right tackle depending on who steps up in fall camp.
Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James is the favorite at right tackle, but Carroll's versatility to play either guard or tackle gives DeBoer, Ryan Grubb, and new OL coach Adrian Klemm some options on the right side.
If James isn't the guy at tackle, they could easily just kick Carroll back out there. That would open up the RG spot for a pair of transfers to battle it out: Ole Miss' Ethan Fiels and Texas' Nick Brooks.
A step forward on the offensive line is a must next season. It's a good sign that the coaching staff feels pretty confident in four out of the five already. With four new starters, regardless of the combo you put out there, this group needs as many reps together as they can possibly get in order to gel before the start of the regular season.
It remains to be seen whether DeBoer and Grubb will continue the OL rotation we saw throughout the season last year, or if they'll look to go wire-to-wire with the starting five they establish in fall camp. Fans, and previous players, would prefer the latter.
Add us as a preferred source on Google