Heading into next season, Alabama will have to address several positions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the line.
The Crimson Tide notably lost key production on both sides, as nose tackle Tim Keenan III, left tackle Kadyn Proctor, defensive tackle James Smith, center Parker Brailsford and others departed for the NFL Draft or the transfer portal. On top of that, Alabama recently fired offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic after two seasons.
After the loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl, head coach Kalen DeBoer immediately acknowledged the need for a fresh start and change, which can start directly with the line.
“There’s a fine line between what we had out there today and being at the very top,” DeBoer said.
With only three total players projected to return on either side of the line who have logged significant snaps for Alabama, transfer portal additions and returning players will need to step up.
Freshman right tackle Michael Carroll set high expectations for himself as a five-star recruit and looks to solidify an expanded role during his sophomore season.
“I’m ready to step into that leadership role. I want to be a vocal leader heading into next year,” Carroll said.
Carroll played in 14 games, all but the opener against FSU, and started at right tackle in six of them. He combines physicality with consistent effort on each snap and is projected to be the anchor of Alabama’s line next season. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and earned Freshman All-American honors from the Football Writers Association.
At the other tackle spot, Alabama added Jayvin James from the transfer portal. James was Mississippi State’s starting left tackle and allowed only three sacks on 856 snaps. James offers SEC experience, solid pass protection and versatility at both tackle positions.
Alabama could also look to sophomore Jackson Lloyd or Michigan transfer Ty Haywood to fill the left tackle spot. Haywood was the No. 6 tackle in the 2025 class and will provide additional versatility with the ability to play guard.
On the interior, William Sanders, Ethan Fields, Nick Brooks, Kaden Strayhorn and Casey Poe are projected to battle for the two open guard spots on the offensive line. Of those names, Sanders and Strayhorn are two players to watch out for as starters on opening day. Strayhorn is a transfer from Michigan who can play center if needed, while Sanders is a guard capable of playing on either the left or right side of the line.
At center, Racin Delgatty is expected to be the Day 1 starter. Delgatty is a transfer from Cal Poly who allowed one sack on 1,316 career snaps
Like the offensive line, the defensive line remains a complete mystery heading into next season. Alabama will not return any significant defensive line starters and is expected to rely upon several transfers and emerging players.
A name projected to play an important role in Alabama’s defensive front is transfer portal nose tackle Terrance Green. Green is a 6-foot-5-inch 330-pound lineman from Oregon who played 15 games in 2025. Green is projected to fill a much-needed role after Keenan’s departure.
Kedrick Bingley-Jones is another name expected to play nose tackle but he could fill the other roles across the line. USC transfer addition Devan Thompkins could also fill a similar role to Bingley-Jones.
Considering all the newcomers set to come, returner London Simmons will undeniably have to bring leadership and provide a spark for the Crimson Tide. Simmons played limited snaps last season, but in October, he led all true freshman defensive linemen in run defense, according to PFF.
With plenty of holes to fill, Alabama will have several key battles on the line of scrimmage throughout spring and fall practices to decide starters for the 2026 season.
