The most highly anticipated true freshman for Alabama this season is 5-star RB EJ Crowell, fresh off one of the most prolific high school careers in the history of the state. He arrived at Alabama at a time when the fanbase was thirsty for an elite running back again.
Not since Jahmyr Gibbs has Alabama had a true difference-maker in the room. And not since Najee Harris has Alabama recruited one out of high school.
Crowell is set to change that, but he's dealt with nagging injuries throughout the spring and into fall camp. He missed all of Alabama's scrimmages in the spring and fall, and he looked to be on the path to missing the Crimson Tide's season opener against East Carolina.
But Ryan Grubb provided a major ray of optimism on Monday when he told the media that he believed Crowell would be available and ready to go for Week 1. When Alabama released its official depth chart on Friday, Crowell was listed fourth among the RBs, but with an "OR" designation with the other three, technically making him a co-starter alongside Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear.
According to On3's Pete Nakos, Crowell is a game-time decision for today's matchup against ECU:
Alabama running back EJ Crowell is a game-time decision on Saturday against East Carolina, sources tell @Clowfb and me for @On3.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) September 5, 2026
The true freshman was a Five-Star Plus+ recruit in the 2026 class. Has been dealing with an ankle injury.
Injury Report: https://t.co/soYFY1E2S6 https://t.co/7N5zoel06z pic.twitter.com/TacKpWq2MM
5-star RB EJ Crowell is a game-time decision for Alabama's opener vs. ECU
As badly as Alabama fans want to see Crowell in action, it makes sense for Kalen DeBoer and the staff to be cautious with the star running back. It's a long season, and if the Crimson Tide is going to take the necessary step forward running the ball that is a must to be a legitimate contender, they're going to need him.
Crowell is the most talented back in the room. He's going to be needed throughout the season. He's going to be needed a lot more next week in the SEC opener on the road against Kentucky than he is for a game against a Group-of-Six opponent.
But based on Grubb's words earlier in the week, it would be a bit of a surprise if Crowell doesn't see a little action this afternoon in Bryant-Denny. Just don't expect him to be the bellcow right away. They're going to ease him in.
If he plays, I wouldn't expect more than 5-10 total touches in the game. There's no reason to put too much on him in his debut, especially with as much practice and scrimmage time as he missed.
The 5-star is going to be a highly impactful player for Alabama in due time. Fans just might have to show a little bit of patience.
With Crowell limited, another freshman has stepped into the spotlight. 3-star Trae'shawn Brown has been a revelation this offseason, and the Texas native looks on track for a significant role in his own right.
Even without making a splash addition in the Transfer Portal, Crowell and Brown's additions to the roster have upped the talent level in the backfield. If Hill and Riley have also improved from a year ago, and AK Dear can build off his tremendous fall camp when he returns from injury, then this may be one of the more underrated RB rooms in the country.
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