RSS Alabama Team Notes

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

Jumbo Package: Kalen DeBoer sees growth in QB Austin Mack

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Austin Mack (10) throws a pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Happy Monday, everyone. The Gym Tide fell in a close one to 6th-ranked Georgia on Friday night but posted a solid 197.425 score. Softball took two of three from Arkansas, and baseball was swept at 21st-ranked Kentucky. That result doesn’t bode well for Rob Vaughn’s squad in a typically loaded SEC that boasts 11 ranked squads including six of the top 10.

Women’s basketball scored a 6-seed in the NCAA tournament.

It is the fifth time in the last six seasons that Kristy Curry’s Crimson Tide squad as heard their name called on Selection Sunday. The No. 6 seeded Crimson Tide will head out to Louisville, Kentucky for a first round matchup against No. 11 Rhode Island (28-4) on Saturday, March 21.

Alabama is in the regional hosted by Louisville. Vermont will face the host Cardinals in the first round.

Cards beat writer Alexis Cubit is quite confident, opining that Louisville “will have no problem making it out of the first weekend.” Should Alabama beat Rhode Island, perhaps that will provide the ladies with some additional motivation.

The men’s squad is headed to Tampa, where Hofstra awaits.

Alabama basketball didn’t get dropped to a No. 5 seed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee, which was certainly possible after a poor SEC tourney showing. Nor did UA get shipped to Portland, which wouldn’t have been ideal from a travel standpoint.

Instead, the Crimson Tide will zip down to sunny Tampa as a No. 4 seed to take on Hofstra in the first round on Friday, with a potential Sunday matchup against the winner of Texas Tech and Akron. The fifth-seeded Red Raiders, by the way, have lost one of the elite players in the country to injury in JT Toppin, an All-American forward who would’ve given UA’s frontcourt fits in a second-round game.

Hofstra is going to try and slow the pace to a crawl. It will certainly be an interesting matchup if nothing else.

In football news, Heather Dinich managed to squeeze a bit of info out of Kalen DeBoer about the quarterback race.

DeBoer said continuity on the roster and staff is the key, and he feels like for the most part, the Tide have that this season. DeBoer said he didn’t go into the transfer portal for a starting quarterback because, much like a year ago with Ty Simpson, he’s confident in what he has returning, this time with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

Mack, who transferred with DeBoer when he was hired, is entering his fourth season in the system, and Russell has “a high ceiling.” Neither has starting experience, but DeBoer said he thought Mack looked “like he belonged out there” in the Rose Bowl against Indiana. Mack completed 11 of 16 attempts for 103 yards after Simpson was injured.

“He runs well, especially when he gets moving, and he can cover a lot of ground in a hurry,” DeBoer said. “From an arm strength and arm talent standpoint, he can make all the throws. I mean, he can rip it from one hash to the opposite sideline. He can throw it down the field. He’s really improved just his timing and anticipation. A lot of that is he knows the offense. Now it’s just a matter of playing ball.”

Mack certainly has an edge in practice time within the system.

DeBoer is going to have to trim some fat off the roster.

With the court-approved House settlement that gives collegiate athletes a piece of revenue sharing, the Crimson Tide and other major college football programs no longer have to adhere to the 85-scholarship limit, but instead face a roster cap of 105 players.

As of the start of spring football, Alabama has 115 players listed on its roster. This does not count the seven players, at least, who are planned to enroll with the Crimson Tide for its summer session, like four-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson and three-star defensive end Malique’ Franklin.

As noted above, Alabama will have to cut 17 names off of the current list by July 1. It’s fairly easy to go down the roster and find those candidates. In short, Alabama will be carrying more blue chippers than ever but there won’t be much space for the try-hards who were traditionally used to fill out the scout team.

Last, Nick Kelly believes that former Longhorn Nick Brooks is a strong candidate to start on the OL this season.

Michigan transfer Ty Haywood is another intriguing option for this spot if Alabama moves Carroll to guard, but for now, we’ll go with Brooks.

He logged 221 snaps this past season for Texas, most of which he spent at guard. But he also saw 25 snaps at right tackle during the Sam Houston game. He’s got the size for tackle at 6-feet-7, 339 pounds.

Brooks should have a chance to help the offense this season, no matter the role.

I’d imagine that Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James, with 21 SEC starts under his belt, would be first in line if Carroll moves inside.

That’s about it for today. Have a great week.

Roll Tide.

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/alabam...ge-kalen-deboer-sees-growth-in-qb-austin-mack

 

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

Alabama Baseball Swept By Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY - MARCH 15: Outfielder Bryce Fowler (9) of the Alabama Crimson Tide in a game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Kentucky Wildcats on March 15, 2026, at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington, KY. (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Alabama Crimson Tide went on the road to open SEC play and were swept by the 16th ranked Kentucky Wildcats, losing all three games. The Tide fell to 15-6 overall and 0-3 in conference. The Cats improved to 18-2 and 3-0 in SEC play.

Game One- Lost 7-4 Alabama right hander Tyler Fay faced off with Jaxon Jelkin of Kentucky in Friday nights game one. The Tide got on the board in the top of the 1st and shortstop Justin LeBron’s 9th home run of the season, a massive blast over the left centerfield fence. The Wildcats, not known for their power, proved that wrong multiple times in the game. In the bottom of the 1st Jayce Tharnish led off with a single and scored in front of a home run by Ethan Hindle for a 2-1 Cat lead after one inning.

Jelkin disposed of the Tide in order in the 2nd and the UK offense added two in the bottom half. Hudson Brown led off the frame with a single and trotted home when Ryan Schwartz unloaded a two run bomb for a 4-1 lead. Fay survived the inning with out any more damage. Jelkin kept the Tide off the board in the 3rd and 4th allowing only a single and walk with two strikeouts across both innings.UK added a run in the 3rd on a walk and a pair of Bama errors. A dropped fly ball in left field by Justin Osterhouse let the run in. Fay allowed his third home run of the day with two outs in the bottom of the 4th. Freshman catcher Owen Jenkins smoked the first home run of his career and the lead was 6-1.

The Tide got a two single from Brennan Holt in the top of the 5th, but couldn’t bring him home. In the bottom of the 5th Kentucky plated their last run of the game on a single, a double, and a successful squeeze but executed by Tyler Cerny. Bama finally chased Jelkin out of the game in the 6th inning. LeBron singled to lead off and moved up on a single by Brady Neal. Luke Vaughn lined out to centerfield for the first out. Johnny Lemm then lined a 3-2 pitch off the foul pole in right field for a three run home run that gave the Tide some life. Jelkin was replaced by Nate Harris. Jason Torres greeted Harris with a single and Osterhouse drew a walk. Peyton Steele then rapped into a third to first double play to end the uprising.

Fay stuck with it and had perfect innings in the 6th and 7th to hold the Cats within reach. The Tide was able to have two runners reach base in the 7th, but again couldn’t get the big hit needed to close the gap. Ashton Crowther took over for Fay in the 8th and held the Cats off the board. In the top of the 9th the Tide got a two out double from Bryce Fowler, but he was stranded there to leave the score at 7-4.

The Tide hit 8-34 in the game with four walks, seven strikeouts, two home runs, a double, left seven men on base, and committed two errors. LeBron finished 2-5 with a home run, an RBI, and two runs scored. Fowler was 2-5 with a double, Lemm finished 1-3 with three RBI on his home run. Fay fell to 3-2 with the loss after allowing seven hits in seven innings with six earned runs, one walk, and eight strikeouts.

UK hit 9-30 in the game with two walks, one hit batter, nine strikeouts, with three home runs, a double, and left three men on base. Hindle was 2-4 with a home run and a double. Jelkin improved to 4-0 on the season and Jack Bennett earned with fourth save.

Game Two- Lost 8-7

Junior left hander Zane Adams started for Alabama against left hander Ben Cleaver for the Cats. Cleaver didn’t even make it out of the first inning.

Bryce Fowler led the game off with a walk. Justin LeBron hit into a fielders choice, forcing Fowler out of second. LeBron proceeded to manufacture a run by stealing second and third base. After originally being called out at second, LeBron was called safe after a review. After Lebron swiped third the Wildcats called for a review of the play and the call was upheld. The two bags out LeBron at 20-20 on steal attempts on the season. A sacrifice fly from Brady Neal brought the run home. Jason Torres followed with a walk and moved to third on a double by Johnny Lemm. Cleaver then hit Luke Vaughn with a pitch to load the bases and followed by plunking Will Plattner to drive in a second run. Nile Adcock replaced Cleaver and struck out Peyton Steele to strand the bases loaded.

Adams had perfect innings in the 1st and 2nd innings with two strikeouts. Bama received a jolt when LeBron injured his ankle on his at bat in the 2nd inning and had to leave the game. The Tide added to their lead in the top of the 3rd when Lemm blasted his second home run of the series off of the Cats Tommy Skelding. The Cats got on the board in the bottom of the 3rd thanks to some shoddy defense by the Tide. After a lead off walk a perfect double play ball turned into a fielders choice on a throw that pulled Vaughn off of first base. Fowler misplayed a single up the middle to allow Tagger Tyson to score. Adams stranded a runner on third after a strikeout and ground out ended the inning, leaving the score at 3-1.

Bama added to their lead in the top of the 4th. Plattner led off with a double, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored when Wildcat catcher Tyson threw the ball into left field. Brennen Holt followed with a walk and advanced to third on a single by Fowler. Justin Osterhouse, in for LeBron, tried to bunt Holt home, but couldn’t get it down and eventually struck out looking. Neal grounded out to end the inning with the Tide ahead 4-1. Adams worked out of a jam in the bottom of the frame. Adams stranded a runner at third with a strikeout and groundout.

After Bama went down in order in the top of the 5th, the Cats chased Adams from the game in the bottom half. Tyson led off with a single, Owen Jenkins also singled and Jayce Tharnish doubled to bring Tyson home. Luke Lawrence singled to plate two runs and tie the game at four apiece. Evan Steckmesser replaced Adams and induced a fly ball for out one. Hudson Brown then put down a perfect safety squeeze bunt to score Lawrence and give UK a 5-4 lead. After a single and stole base by Will Marcy, Steckmesser struck out Ryan Swartz to end the uprising.

The Tide stranded the bases loaded in the 6th, Holt was hit by a pitch with one out and Osterhouse and Neal walked with two out. A fly out by Torres ended the inning. Steckmesser had a perfect 6th and Bama went down in order in the top of the 7th. Steckmesser walked the lead off man in the bottom of the 7th and then allowed a bunt single to Lawrence. Matthew Heiberger replaced Steckmesser on the mound. After a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners, Brown took a 1-0 pitch over the right field wall for a three run home run. Heiberger was immediately replaced by Bobby Alcock, who retired the next two batters. The move will allow Heiberger to be used on Sunday if needed.

Bama got one out singles from Holt and Fowler in the 8th, but a double play rapped into by Osterhouse ended the inning. Alcock allowed a two double in the bottom half, but kept the Cats off the board. Alabama put a scare into Kentucky in the top of the 9th, but ended up falling just short. Neal led off with a double and Torres drew his third walk of the game. Lemm struck out for the first out. Luke Vaughn singled to score Neal. Plattner followed with a single to load the bases with one out. Peyton Steele struck out on a full count and the Tide was down to their last out. Holt lined a two run single to close the margin to 8-7. With two on and two outs, Jack Bennett struck out Fowler to end the game.

Alabama hit 10-35 in the game with seven walks, three hit batters, eight strikeouts, three doubles, a home run, a sacrifice fly, three stolen bases, left 12 on bases, and committed three errors. Adams fell to 3-1 with the loss. Lemm finished 2-5 with a double and a home run. Holt was 2-3 with a walk, hit by pitch, stolen base, and two RBI. Plattner was w-4 with a double, hit by pitch, run score, and a run driven in. Fowler was 2-5 with a double and a walk. Neal was 1-3 with a sac fly, double run, walk, and RBI.

Kentucky hit 10-32 with three walks, seven strikeouts, two doubles, one home run, two sac bunts, and left five on base. Skelding moved to 2-0 with the win and Bennett earned his 5th save of the year.

Game Three- Lost 6-4

Alabama freshman right hander started on the mound for the Tide against right hander Nate Harris for Kentucky. Harris controlled the Tide across six no hit innings before running into trouble in the 7th frame. Upchurch had trouble with his command and walked as many batters in the game as he had in all games prior, but didn’t let the game get out hand.

Tide shortstop Justin LeBron was able to play after leaving game two with an injured ankle. Bama went down in order in the 1st on seven pitches. Upchurch walked the lead off man in the bottom half, then struck out the next man. A double play started after a nice catch on a foul pop by first baseman Andrew Purdy ended the inning. Alabama went down on order on the 2nd before the Cats took the lead in the bottom of the inning. With one out UK first baseman blasted his second home run of the weekend-and season-with one out. Upchurch issued two walks with two outs but got a fantastic defensive play by third baseman Jason Torres to squelch the rally.

Brennan Holt drew a walk with two outs in the 3rd for the first Tide base runner, but could not advance. Kentucky added two runs in their half of the 3rd on a single, hit batter, sac bunt, and a two run single by Tyler Bell. Brady Neal was hit by a pitch for Alabama in the top of the 4th, but the Tide still couldn’t manage a hit. Upchurch was chased from the game in the bottom of the 4th. After two quick outs Upchurch walked number nine batter Owen Jenkins and then a wild pitch advanced Jenkins to second. Lead off hitter Jayce Tharnish was intentionally walked and Upchurch was pulled in favor of left hander Matthew Heiberger. Heiberger walked the first man he faced to load the bases but ended the inning by striking out Ethan Hindle.

In the 5th Alabama got their third base runner of the game on a walk to Will Plattner but still couldn’t manage a hit. The Cats pushed their lead to 5-0 with two runs in the bottom of the 5th. On a very windy day the Wildcats took advantage of the conditions with a lead off, wind blown, pop fly, double by Bell. Brown then had a soft, wind blown single fall in short centerfield to score Bell. Brown stole second and scored on a two run bloop single by Ryan Schwartz. Bama went down in order in the 6th. Heiberger hit a batter and walked one in the Cats 6th and was replaced by Hagan Banks with two outs. Banks struck out Brown to strand the runners.

Alabama finally broke through in the top of the 7th. Torres lead off with a double to break up the no hitter. Johnny Lemm was hit by a pitch before Plattner laced a double down the third base line to score Torres. Pinch hitter Luke Vaughn walked to load the bases. Pinch hitter JoJo Williamson and Holt both struck out, bringing up lead off hitter Bryce Fowler. Fowler lined a 1-0 pitch into left field for a single. Lemm easily scored and Plattner was called out at the plate. After a review instigated by Alabama coach Rob Vaughn the call was overturned and the score was now 5-3. LeBron lined a single to score Vaughn, who just beat the throw to the plate. Neal grounded out to strand Fowler and LeBron, but the Tide had momentum with the 5-4 score.

Banks had a perfect bottom of the 7th with two fly outs and a strikeout. The Tide had chances in the top of the 8th. Lemm singled with one out and moved up in a wild pitch. Plattner reached on an error by third basemen Tyler Cerny, putting runners on the corner with one out. Vaughn struck out for the second out before Williamson was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Holt struck out swinging to end the opportunity. Banks allowed a run on back to back doubles on the bottom half to give the Cats an insurance run at 6-4 before striking out the final two batters to end the inning. Bama went down in order in the 9th to end the game.

Alabama hit 5-33 in the game with five walks, three hit batters, 10 strikeouts, and left eight men on base. No one had more than one hit and Fowler had two RBI. Upchurch fell to 3-2 with the loss with 3.2 innings pitched, allowing three hits, walking five, striking out two, and allowing three runs. Kentucky finished 8-30 with seven walks, eight strikeouts, two hit batters, and left 10 men on base. Harris improved to 3-1 on the season and Nile Adcock garnered his first save of the year.

Who did what?

*Bryce Fowler 5-15, 2 RBI, BB

*Johnny Lemm 4-11, 2 home runs (3), double, 4 RBI, 3 runs, 3 walks

*Brennan Holt 3-9, 3 walks, HBP, stolen base, 2 RBI

*Will Plattner 3-7, 2 doubles, walk, HBP, 2 RBI, 2 runs

*Justin LeBron 3-12, home run (9), 2 RBI, 2 stolen bases (20), 3 runs

Alabama hit 23-102 for a .225 average with 15 walks, six hit batters, 25 strikeouts, and left 27 men on base. Kentucky finished 27-92 for a .293 average with 12 walks, 24 strikeouts, and left 17 on base.

The Tide put themselves in a hole early by being swept. Alabama never plays well at Kentucky and that continued this weekend. The team’s defense was sloppy, the offense was lacking, and the pitching wasn’t sharp. All in all a big disappointment to the start of SEC play. This week Bama travels to Mobile to play South Alabama on Tuesday and then hosts Florida on the weekend at Sewell Thomas Stadium.

Roll Tide
Bama Baseball Fever, Catch It!

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/alabama-crimson-tide-baseball/80228/alabama-baseball-swept-by-kentucky

 

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

FBS College Football Scoring is Down and We Have Theories

Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Joshua Simon (6) is stopped at the goal line by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back DaShawn Jones (7) and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images | Butch Dill-Imagn Images

On Monday, Zach Barnett of FootballScoop.com made an interesting observation that “total offense was down to its lowest point in a generation last season”.

Barnett cites this past season’s North Texas offense and goes on about Baylor offenses of yore. But for our purposes, we want to get to the root of why this trend is happening.

Tulsa Head Coach Tre Lamb chimed in on Twitter and really got the ball rolling.

Lamb makes some good points (especially #2), but he missed a few reasons for the drop in offensive production.

DEFENSIVE ADAPTATIONS AND LACK OF NEW OFFENSIVE INNOVATIONS​

In the olden days, it was the offensive coaches who were the intellectual brainiacs and the defensive coaches were the blood-thirsty Neanderthals who just taught his players to “hit someone”. But thanks to deep-thinkers like Nick Saban, it is the defenses that are playing the 3-D chess.

1. The Saban defenses are said to be among the most difficult to learn. But when it is learned, BOY, is it dangerous. The most vital components of modern college defenses are the nickelbacks, dimes, and hybrids. In short, it is having guys who can perform multiple tasks. Those who can succeed on the fly in different situations hold the most value. Additionally, defenses are more effective at disguising coverages and the movements up front can confound an offensive line. In short, defenses have become more sophisticated.
2. When the RPO became fashionable a few years ago, it left many a DC scratching his head. However as it always is every time an offensive mind comes up with a unique attack, the defensive guys catch up and learn how to defend the new game plans. Since then, the eggheads on offense have not really come up with anything all that fresh or original.
3. Another point on RPO and its evolution: many of those plays are short-gainers. Still today, we see many teams that dink & dunk their way down the field – often for under 5 yards per play – to systematically move the chains and chew up the game clock. Which leads me to…

RECENT RULE CHANGES​

For better or for worst, the NCAA decided that college football needs to be more of an NFL Jr.

1. One recent change has the clock running after first downs, except in the last two minutes of each half.
2. Penalties at the end of the first and third quarters (aka untimed downs) carry over to the first play of the next quarter.
3. The play clock is typically 40 seconds, but it is set to 25 seconds after certain stoppages, such as a change of possession or a timeout.
4. The “match-up” provision of the defensive substitution rule is absolutely an advantage for the defense. If the offense substitutes, officials will not allow the ball to be snapped until the defense has been given an opportunity to substitute and the outgoing player leaves the field.

THE TRANSFER PORTAL​

This one works both ways (offense & defense) and are related to the first category above.

1. It is difficult to get some continuity on offense when so many guys are bolting after a year or two. Achieving rhythm between quarterback and skill players is a real thing. And the more time they spend together, the better. Additionally when a team brings in new players, they need to learn a new offense, new teammates, new sets, new terminology, etc.
2. On the other side of the ball, the transfer portal is an excellent tool to pilfer a player who might fit a distinct role on defense. If you need a guy who has a certain skill set such as short yardage defense, 3rd and long, dime coverage on tight ends, or whatever situation, it is pretty easy for a “Have” team to convince a player on a “Have-Not” team to come play a role on their defense.

WORKING HYPOTHESES​

I have no stats to back either of these thoughts up. Thus, they are just suppositions for now.

1. HOLDING – Blocking has changed a lot in that last decade or so. And so too is how the zebras call it. It seems every time a defensive lineman gets pancaked, a flag comes out whether it was holding or not. Because of hypersensitive officials, offensive linemen have to be more careful about how they block. Also a side effect of stiffer holding calls is the development of smaller faster edge rushers – where most of the holding calls originate. This ties into the point above about “specialists” on defense.
2. 4TH DOWN – The trend for 4th down conversion rates and attempt frequency has been steadily rising over the last decade, reaching historic highs in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. That would seem to be an contradictory explanation for lower scoring. But the big thing here is that it runs more clock. Secondly – and this really is a theory – maybe it is about field position. Sometimes pinning an opponent deep is a more effective strategy.

Let us know your thoughts in Comments.

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/alabam...football-scoring-is-down-and-we-have-theories

 

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

Jumbo Package: Alabama Basketball’s Aden Holloway arrested and suspended ahead of March Madness

Alabama guard Aden Holloway (2) reacts after Mississippi won a SEC tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026. | ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Well the big news yesterday was that Aden Holloway was arrested for marijuana.

With the NCAA tournament just days away, Alabama will likely be without one of its most important players.

Junior guard Aden Holloway was arrested Monday after authorities allegedly found over a pound of marijuana during a narcotics search at a Tuscaloosa residence, according to multiple sources.

Holloway, 21, was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp. Authorities also found drug paraphernalia and cash during the search.

Holloway was bonded out of Tuscaloosa County jail at 10:45 a.m. central time, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, with bond set at $5,000.

Now, when first seeing the headline you might think that this seemed a little overkill for a guy getting caught with weed in 2026. But the amount that he’s possessing here is enough to tranquilize an elephant, and the arrest is moreso about an intent to distribute – it’s a felony.

For Alabama’s part, the University pretty much immediately suspended him from campus.

Speaking on the “Hey Coach” radio show on the Crimson Tide Sports Network, Oats discussed the situation.

“We’ve got standards in our program,” Oats said. “We’ve got ways we’ve held our guys accountable. We try to keep everything in-house. Obviously, some of the situations you can’t, this is one of those. Situation is a little different. When I found out this morning, when we found out what was going on this morning. I found out this morning. I guess it all went down this morning.

“We had to suspend him pending the investigation by the UA office of student conduct. We’re disappointed in his behavior. With that said, we still love him. He’s still our guy. We’re going to get him the help that he needs, and we’re going to continue to help him whatever way we can.”

–

“I thought our guys, at the same time, you know Aden’s one of our guys and everybody wants to wrap their arms around him, everybody makes mistakes in life,” Oats said. “But they also understand that we’ve gotta move on and we’ve got a whole other group of guys, and the team’s got to go play Friday. So, thought we did a good job of that this morning, kind of addressing the situation, what we currently knew at the time, and got our guys focused in practice.”

In other words, it sounds like Holloway isn’t going to be playing in March Madness.

While we’re on the subject of Alabama players in the national spotlight, we also got word that Charles Bediako has given up his attempt to sue to the NCAA.

Charles Bediako has filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of his lawsuit against the NCAA, per court documents

— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) March 16, 2026

Oh well. Hofstra is up on the docket this Friday, and Alabama will just have to do it without him.

---

Moving to football, if you missed it, Kane Wommack spoke to the media late on Friday.

Wommack talked a good bit about seeing what they can do to get a better pass rush, and talked some about the Wolf and Bandit positions becoming a little more interchangeable. Justin Hill and Kevonte Henry both got mentioned as guys who are taking steps forward, and Devan Thompkins was mentioned as a guy who’s going to be a major factor as both an interior and outside rusher.

“Obviously, we’re doing a lot with ‘DT’, Devan Thompkins is moving around for us,” Wommack said. “He can play outside, he can play inside, and he’s kind of a force to be reckoned with… You try to find versatility, guys that can do multiple things, play multiple positions, and that is something that he brings to the table, because of his athleticism and because of his size and strength, he can do things inside and outside at a pretty high level,” Wommack said.

“Once we got to know him and started doing our research from his time at USC, this guy’s a captain, he’s a leader. He carries himself with a professional demeanor day in and day out. And he is absolutely shown that in the first two months of being here. The level of maturity that he brings, the work ethic. He wants to be coached. He wants to be pushed, and he has a really, really high ceiling.”

Wommack also talked about the linebackers, and it sounds like Caleb Woodson is coming in to be one starter, but it’s a wide-open battle for the other linebacker spot (or two… They’ll rotate). He seemed legitimately excited about that, and even mentioned that it was the plan for that competition a year ago, but Deontae Lawson came back and Justin Jefferson got the JUCO ruling, so both were unexpected returners.

Finally, here’s a Brooks Austin video looking at some of the little bit of film we have from Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/jumbo-...arrested-and-suspended-ahead-of-march-madness

 

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

U-G-L-Y, Tide Loses Fourth Straight

May 11 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama head coach Rob Vaughn looks into the stands before the game at Sewell-Thomas Stadium Saturday. Alabama lost 6-3 as LSU evened the weekend series.

The Alabama Crimson Tide came home from a road trip to Kentucky where there were swept in a three game series, just to turn around and travel to Mobile to play South Alabama on Tuesday. The Tide lost that contest by a score of 6-3 in an ugly display of baseball. Alabama committed five errors and struck out 13 times in the loss. The four game losing streak is the longest in coach Rob Vaughn’s three year tenure at The Capstone. Alabama fell to 15-7 with the loss while the Jaguars improved to 14-7.

Grad student Bobby Alcock drew the start for the Tide in the mound against Hayden O’Dell for the Jaguars. The Tide threatened in the top of the first. Bryce Fowler led off with a walk and stole second base. Brady Neal lined a one out single to put runners on the corners but a strikeout and ground out ended the frame. Alcock allowed two singles and hit a batter but worked out of the jam in the bottom half to keep the game scoreless.

Bama took an early lead in the second inning. Freshman Eric Hines drew the start in left field for the Tide and led off the inning with a single. With one out Luke Vaughn lined a double down left field line to put runners on second and third. Brennan Holt drove Hines in with a ground out for the 1-0 lead. In the bottom half Alcock struck out the first two batters before allowing a double and an infield single. Alcock induced a ground out to third to maintain to stand both and maintain the lead.

Alabama built on their lead in the top of the third when Justin LeBron led off with a double, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Neal, and scored on a single by Jason Torres. With two outs Hines walked, but a ground ball to the pitcher ended the inning with two men left on base. Freshman left hander Luke Smyers took over on the mound for the Tide in the 3rd and worked out of a bases loaded jam with two strikeouts and a ground out.In the 4th and 5th innings a Fowler single was the only base runner for the Tide. Smyers allowed a single in the fourth and struck out two more batters. The lefty was back out for the 5th, but walked the first two batters before being replaced by Sam Mitchell. The first batter Mitchell faced laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Mitchell struck out the next man and walked the next to load the bases. A ground ball to shortstop looked like Bama would work out if another jam, but LeBron booted the ball, allowing a run to score. Mitchell retired the next man on a ground ball and the Jag’s left the bases loaded. Through five innings USA had left 11 men on base as the Tide was living dangerously. The Tide scored their last run of the game in the top of the 7th inning. Fowler and LeBron opened the inning with back to back singles. Neal looked to have drawn a walk on a 3-0 count, but the high pitch was called a strike. On the next offering Neal rapped into a double play, advancing Fowler to third with two outs. With Torres at the plate Fowler scored on a wild pitch to increase the Bama lead to 3-1. USA finally took the lead in the bottom of the 7th inning.

Ashton Crowther was on the mound for the Tide and allowed

back to back soft singles to open the inning. After a strikeout and fly out Crowther looked to have worked out of predicament but an error by Torres allowed a run to score. Evan Steckmesser replaced Crowther and allowed a single to score two runs, followed by another single t0 score the Jaguars fourth run of the inning. All four runs plated by USA in the inning were unearned.

Zac Stevens was on the mound for South and struck out the side in the 8th, allowing only an infield bloop single to pinch hitter Justin Osterhouse. JT Blackwood pitched the 8th for the Tide and allowed on run on two hits to make the score 6-3 headed to the 9th inning. LeBron drew a two out walk but a ground out by Neal ended the game with the Tide on the wrong end of the score.

Alabama hit 9-34 in the game with four walks, 13 strikeouts, two doubles, two stolen bases, one sac bunt, nine men left on base, and committed five errors. The five miscues were the most for an Alabama team since the 2017 team committed five in a game. Fowler was 2-4 with a walk, a run, and two stolen bases. LeBron hit 2-4 with a walk, a double, and a run scored. Hines was 1-2 with a walk and a run, Torres drove in one in his 1-4 night. Crowther fell to 1-1 with the loss without allowing an earned run. Smyers struck out a career high four batters in his two plus innings.

South Alabama finished 14-40 with four walks, one hit batter, nine strikeouts, and left 17 men on base. Sixteen of their 17 hits were singles. Stewart Puckett and Ethan Melton had three safeties each. Stevens was the winning pitcher after tossing three scoreless frames allowing one hit with one walk and five strikeouts.

After the game Vaughn said he loved the teams attitude in the game but hated their execution. The bench was alive during the game but the play on the field was not. Time to regroup as Florida comes to Tuscaloosa for a three game series this weekend. The games are scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Friday, 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, and Noon CT on Sunday.
Roll Tide ️

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/alabama-crimson-tide-baseball/80323/u-g-l-y-tide-loses-fourth-straight

 

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

Jumbo Package: Kalen DeBoer speaks on OL philosophy

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 22: Jackson Lloyd #78 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks Aidan Archibald #60 of the Eastern Illinois Panthers during the fourth quarter of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Gump Day, everyone. A couple of days before Alabama takes the court in NCAA tournament action, Theodore Fernandez of SI notes that you should probably get to know the name Cruz Davis.

Davis is one of the best guards in the nation, regardless of level. The CAA Player of the Year averaged 20.2 points and 4.6 assists per game this season as a three-level scorer with elite instincts and a proven ability to deliver in big moments.

Davis was a four-star recruit out of the elite Huntington Prep in West Virginia, passing up higher-profile offers to go play for Rick Pitino at Iona. He was selected to the MAAC All-Freshman Team before following Pitino to St. John’s, where he played just four games before suffering a season-ending injury.

Davis opted to transfer a second time after that lost 2024 season, landing just 15 miles down the road in Hempstead, NY. The decision was again based on coaching, as he cited the opportunity to learn from former NBA guard Speedy Claxton, which has paid dividends. The 6’3 Davis is a complete product, a player with the athleticism to compete in any conference who will be fielding significant portal offers at the season’s end.

Sounds like a dude that Nate may be looking at this offseason, but in the meantime we need to slow him down on Friday.

Want something to Gump about? How about this secondary, folks?

The Crimson Tide lost Domani Jackson to the NFL Draft, but returns two other starting cornerbacks in Dijon Lee and Zabien Brown. At safety, Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard both opted to return to school instead of test the NFL waters, and Red Morgan — who plays the nickel position that defensive coordinator Kane Wommack calls the “husky” — is also back.

When asked during Alabama’s first week of spring practice if he felt the Crimson Tide has the best defensive backfield in the nation, Lee answered in the affirmative.

“In my opinion we do, yeah,” he said. “A lot of returning pieces. Like I said, we got good chemistry together. We all are very sure tacklers. Very technical. Definitely just feel like, if we just put it together, we can definitely be the best secondary in the nation.”

This group is long and athletic. When the opposing secondary is elite, quarterbacks tend to hold the ball just a bit longer which helps the pass rush. It also helps when corners can be trusted on an island, which allows an extra defender to creep up into the box.

DeBoer and Grubb shared a bit about their offensive line philosophy. “Versatility” isn’t really what they’re looking for.

“You’re right, there is some versatility with a number of guys,” DeBoer said. “That’s nice, but you also don’t want to (fall) into the trap where you’re moving guys around, and now that continuity, that familiarity that I’m talking about, it’s something that you don’t see. And now you’re not making the strides we want.”

Versatility was at the center of Alabama’s story up front in 2025. Michael Carroll, the top interior lineman in the 2025 recruiting class, played more than 500 snaps at right tackle as a freshman, forcing now-Texas A&M transfer Wilkin Formby inside. Alabama also saw ongoing rotating at both guard spots between Formby, Jaeden Roberts, Kam Dewberry and Geno VanDeMark.

This sheds some light on the surprising announcement of Jackson Lloyd as the left tackle. He was always the succession plan and trained for the job all last season behind Kadyn Proctor.

Marlon Humphrey likes what he sees from Kalen.

Humphrey returned to Alabama last summer to speak to current players about the importance of little actions and how they can lead to impactful moments, a principle he learned from Saban’s famed process approach. Tuesday, Humphrey said he came away impressed from the visit, crediting DeBoer for maintaining Alabama’s culture.

“I was actually very surprised with at the atmosphere DeBoer built,” Humphrey said. “I thought it would have been a lot more Hollywood-type deal, more NFL feel. It still felt like college. It still felt like the roots of Alabama are still there amongst the players. … I was very impressed, honestly, with the character of the players at the university.”

While Humphrey still sees similarities in Alabama from Saban’s tenure, he noted today’s era of college football is vastly different from it was during his playing days.

Last, Jaylen Waddle was traded to Denver and fetched a first plus a third.

The Broncos receive Waddle and a fourth-round pick (111th overall), while the Dolphins receive Denver’s first-round pick (30th), third-round pick (94th) and a fourth-round pick (130th). Bo Nix gains an explosive weapon receiver as Waddle is one of the fastest players in the NFL.

During his tenure in Miami, Waddle finished with 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. In the 2025 season, he racked up 910 receiving yards to go with six touchdowns. The Dolphins selected Waddle with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Remember when people melted down because we had to “settle” for Jaylen after Justyn Ross went to Clemson? Good times.

That’s about it for now. Have a great day.

Roll Tide.

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/alabam...football-kalen-deboer-speaks-on-ol-philosophy

 

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

NCAA Tournament First Round Open Thread

Mar 18, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Bryan Hodgson speaks to the media before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

It’s that time of year again, folks. Alabama fans will have to wait a day to see the Tide play as the Midwest 4-seed, but there is plenty of basketball on for your binge watching pleasure. The experts aren’t predicting a ton of upsets this year as the NIL/portal combo continues to rob upstart midmajors of their top talent year after year, but every year seems to provide some early round surprises.

Many Alabama fans will be rooting for former Oats assistant Bryan Hodgson as he leads his 11th-seeded South Florida Bulls against a Louisville squad missing projected lottery pick Mykel Brown, Jr. The game is fittingly being played in Buffalo, where Hodgson and Oats coached another team called the Bulls before coming to Tuscaloosa.

Use this as your Thursday game thread, and be kind to one another. Schedule below courtesy of CBS Sports.

Roll Tide.

TIME (ET)	GAME	TV / STREAM
12:15 p.m.	(9) TCU vs. (8) Ohio State	CBS (watch live)
12:40 p.m.	(13) Troy vs. (4) Nebraska	truTV (watch live)
1:30 p.m.	(11) South Florida vs. (6) Louisville	TNT (watch live)
1:50 p.m.	(12) High Point vs. (5) Wisconsin	TBS (watch live)
2:50 p.m.	(16) Siena vs. (1) Duke	CBS (watch live)
3:15 p.m.	(12) McNeese vs. (5) Vanderbilt	truTV (watch live)
4:05 p.m.	(14) North Dakota State vs. (3) Michigan State	TNT (watch live)
4:25 p.m.	(13) Hawaii vs. (4) Arkansas	TBS (watch live)
6:50 p.m.	(11) VCU vs. (6) North Carolina	TNT (watch live)
7:10 p.m.	(16) Howard vs. (1) Michigan	CBS (watch live)
7:25 p.m.	(11) Texas vs. (6) BYU	TBS (watch live)
7:35 p.m.	(10) Texas A&M vs. (7) Saint Mary’s	truTV (watch live)
9:25 p.m.	(14) Penn vs. (3) Illinois	TNT (watch live)
9:45 p.m.	(9) Saint Louis vs. (8) Georgia	CBS (watch live)
10 p.m.	(14) Kennesaw State vs. (3) Gonzaga	TBS (watch live)
10:10 p.m.	(15) Idaho vs. (2) Houston	truTV (watch live)

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/alabam...80354/ncaa-tournament-first-round-open-thread

 

[Alabama Crimson Tide]

Jumbo Package: Transfers are making an impact in spring camp

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer talks on the sideline Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Happy Thursday, everyone. The NCAA Tournament starts in earnest today, and we will have an open thread for you. Alabama doesn’t play until tomorrow afternoon against Hofstra. Former Tide standout Aaron Estrada, a key cog on Nate Oats’ Final Four team, was a transfer from Hofstra and will be rooting for the Pride over the Tide tomorrow.

Estrada, whose Hofstra “brotherhood” is equal to that of his Alabama kinship, was immediately pressed by the guys about which side he would take.

“I wish that both teams could win, or that they didn’t get matched up to play each other,” he said.

“But if I had to suit up and put a jersey on and play for one, I’m picking Hofstra.”

After all, it was head coach Speedy Claxton who selflessly helped Estrada grow and transfer to a school that was offering him significant NIL dough.

“My family has never seen anything close to that amount of money —especially in one year,” said Estrada, who grew up outside of South Philadelphia in Woodbury, NJ.

With Aden Holloway listed as out due to asininity, Coach Houston will need to step up on the floor along with Latrell Wrightsell if Alabama is to go anywhere this March.

He also has the number 95 on his car, not only to represent his jersey, but what it stands for:

A player has the ball for about 5% of the game. What do they do with the other 95%?

“From my standpoint, I’m incredibly fortunate and I have a great opportunity because we have the opportunity to make money, so my mindset is I’m going to try and save every penny I possibly can,” Mallette said.

The choice of vehicle reveals a lot to UA director of athletics Greg Byrne.

“He could afford something nicer, but he’s like, ‘That’s not a very good investment,'” Byrne said. “He has chosen to invest his money in other things besides a nicer car, and I’ve told him I’m proud of how he’s been handling that.”

“I will keep that thing forever,” Mallette said. “I don’t want to buy a car.”

In spring practice news, it sounds like Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty will be your starting center.

The Cal Poly transfer has already drawn praise over the first week of practice.

“It starts with Jackson and Michael,” Grubb said of the offensive line. “And then really the center position, Racin Delgatty has been doing an awesome job at center. He’s really taken the reins quickly, so I’m excited to see him out there.”

Alabama needs someone to replace two-year starter Parker Brailsford as the captain of the offensive line. Delgatty hasn’t played at this level of football yet, but he’s on the right track to become Alabama’s next center.

It will be a big leap in competition, but he does have multiple years under his belt in a starting role.

Last, an under the radar transfer is making waves in camp.

“We’re already long in the secondary and all of a sudden he’s taller than Dijon Lee, which is hard to believe, and still have corner feet,” Wommack said. “There’s a lot of things we could do with him, but right now he’s doing a really good job on the outside. I’m excited about him.”

For Alabama, O’Neal is depth, a direct replacement for one-year transfer Cam Calhoun, who is off to Ohio State. O’Neal is a number in a room that includes redshirt freshman Chuck McDonald III, five-star Jorden Edmonds and four-star Zyan Gibson.

But Lee knows what O’Neal can be from personal experience. What he and O’Neal share is not normal. It’s “weird.”

If O’Neal is playing outside, that might allow Zabien Brown to shuttle between corner and dime to take full advantage of his ball hawking abilities, like Minkah Fitzpatrick did. Putting him and Lee outside should make fades very difficult.

That’s about it for now. Have a great day.

Roll Tide.

Source: https://www.rollbamaroll.com/alabam...transfers-are-making-an-impact-in-spring-camp