Alabama enters the 2026 season with expectations as high as ever, but unlike many recent Crimson Tide teams, there is one glaring question that could determine whether Kalen DeBoer’s third season ends with a College Football Playoff run or another disappointing finish.
Can Alabama finally establish a consistent running game?
The numbers from last season tell the story. Alabama finished with just 104.0 rushing yards per game, ranking second-to-last in the SEC. For a program that has built championship teams around dominant rushing attacks featuring backs like Derrick Henry, Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs, it was an unfamiliar sight.
The Crimson Tide simply couldn’t control games on the ground.
Now enters Year 3 of DeBoer’s offense.
Projected starting quarterback Austin Mack brings intriguing upside after transferring into the program a couple of years ago and is expected to take over the offense. While Mack’s arm talent should allow Alabama to push the ball downfield, relying solely on the passing game isn’t a sustainable formula in the SEC.
That’s where running back Daniel Hill enters the picture.
The former blue-chip recruit is projected to be Alabama’s lead back and possesses the size and physicality to become the workhorse this offense lacked a year ago. But Hill can only do so much if the offensive line doesn’t take a significant step forward.
There are reasons for optimism.
The Tide return experience up front with projected starters including Jackson Lloyd, William Sanders, Racin Delgaty, Ethan Fields and Michael Carroll. Continuity along the offensive line often leads to the biggest year-over-year improvement, and Alabama hopes that proves true in 2026.
The receiver room also appears capable of preventing defenses from stacking the box. Noah Rogers headlines the group alongside Ryan Williams, one of college football’s most explosive playmakers, while Lotzeir Brooks gives Alabama another dynamic option in the slot. If defenses are forced to respect the passing game, running lanes should naturally open.
Still, potential isn’t production.
Last season showed Alabama could move the football through the air, but too often the offense became one-dimensional. Short-yardage situations, clock-killing drives and red-zone possessions all became more difficult because the Tide couldn’t consistently lean on the running game.
That’s not the formula that wins SEC championships.
The good news for Alabama is that this doesn’t need to become the nation’s best rushing attack overnight. It simply needs to become balanced. If Daniel Hill emerges as a reliable feature back and the offensive line plays to its recruiting pedigree, Alabama’s offense could take a major leap in DeBoer’s third season.
If the Tide once again finish near the bottom of the conference in rushing, however, opponents will continue forcing Mack to beat them through the air every week.
Alabama has the talent to compete for a playoff spot. Whether it can run the football consistently may ultimately decide whether the Crimson Tide are contenders—or just another team in a loaded SEC.
Check Out All EasySportz College Football Content Here!
College Football Viewing Guide
