Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (42) closes to make a tackle on UL Monroe running back Zach Palmer-Smith (6) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated UL Monroe 73-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

The Crimson Tide has lost plenty of talent since its season came to an end after a devastating 38-3 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl, and whether it’s been due to the NFL Draft or the transfer portal, it will hurt.

Although the Tide will be bringing in the No. 4-ranked recruiting class in the nation to pair with 16 transfers, there’s bound to be some weak spots. Currently, three position rooms stand out more than the others. But it’s also worth mentioning that just because a position room is looking a bit weak on paper right now, it does not mean that it is inherently bad.

Outside linebackers/EDGEs

The Crimson Tide is only set to return two players who play the edge rusher role in 2026: Yhonzae Pierre and Justin Hill. Qua Russaw and Noah Carter both decided to hit the transfer portal, while Jah-Marien Latham will be graduating.

Now, the only slight bright side to Latham’s situation is that he could receive a medical redshirt, which would grant him an extra year of eligibility and allow him to return for the 2026 season. But an official decision has yet to be made.

Pierre proved that he could be one of the best edge rushers in the country with some very nice performances in the second half of the season. However, Hill, who only recorded five tackles, is still a bit unproven and young.

The staff was able to work the portal well and secure a commitment from South Carolina’s Desmond Umeozulu; however, he’s only managed to record 14 solo tackles and one-and-a-half sacks through three seasons.

Alabama also managed to land five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin out of Georgia. The Tide beat out some late pushes from other teams in his recruitment in hopes of him being able to be a factor early on, with limited depth at the position.

Cornerbacks

The issue with the cornerback room next season will be the depth. Alabama is returning star cornerback Zabien Brown, along with Dijon Lee and Chuck McDonald, a former four-star who saw minimal playing time last season.

Returning Brown and Lee is great news for the Tide, as both have proven that they can be significant role players or more. McDonald, however, will still need to prove himself and compete for a starting role next season.

Aside from those three, Alabama will only return Chuck McDonald, while bringing in Mercer transfer Carmelo O’Neal, four-star Jorden Edmonds, four-star Zyan Gibson, and three-star JUCO transfer Nick Sherman.

McDonald was a four-star out of high school and has great potential, but after only seeing minimal action on special teams this past season, he will still need to prove that he can be a reliable contributor for the Tide.

But bringing in O’Neal will be great for the cornerback room, as he’ll immediately provide some experience and leadership, albeit from an FCS level. But his experience, which includes playing against Alabama, will be a nice addition.

Edmonds, Gibson, and Sherman have all shown good potential at their respective ranks, but the issue yet again lies in the fact that they’re inexperienced. So, the Tide will need quick adjustments and impacts from them.

Linebackers

The Crimson Tide is set to return five linebackers, none of whom were starters, and all but one of whom will be sophomores. This once again brings up a depth and experience issue on the defensive side of the ball.

Kane Wommack has shown his ability as a play-caller, but what fans have yet to see is how well he develops players. That will be on full display now as linebackers Cayden Jones and QB Reese will likely take center stage with transfer Caleb Woodson.

Woodson, a senior from Virginia Tech, will likely make an impact in the locker room immediately, as he will be the most experienced linebacker by far. He was previously a team captain for the Hokies and recorded 129 total tackles over two seasons.

Jones and Reese both got to see the field some last season, but will still need to compete over the offseason for the starting jobs against Duke Johnson, Luke Metz and Abduall Sanders, who have all been waiting their turn as well.

From the high school ranks, Alabama will also be bringing in three-star Zay Hall, a Tuscaloosa native. If Hall can adjust quickly and develop over the offseason, then there’s a chance that he could see the field early.