Kalen DeBoer ‘fired up’ about 2 Alabama defensive position groups

Kalen DeBoer was asked about his early thoughts on Alabama football’s defensive line and edge rushers ahead of the 2026 football season while talking to reporters at the Senior Bowl.

The Crimson Tide lost all of its primary defensive line starters from the 2025 football season. LT Overton and Tim Keenan III declared for the NFL Draft, and James Smith transferred to Ohio State. The Tide did return starting outside linebacker, Yhonzae Pierre.

DeBoer and company went into the transfer portal to add to both groups by signing Desmond Umeozulu, Devan Thompkins, Kedrick Bingley-Jones and Terrance Green. Alabama is also adding multiple incoming freshmen to these groups.

The Alabama head coach is excited about what the new additions at these positions will do in 2026, alongside multiple retuning players.

“I’m fired up about that group, fired up about what those guys bring, both the returners and then also the newcomers that come in,” DeBoer told reporters. “I think we got longer. We got bigger. I think we got more athletic. I think we got some guys that are both in the program and guys that have come into it that really care, not just about what they can do personally and for themselves, but also care about being a great teammate.”

“I’m fired up about that group… I think we got longer. We got bigger. I think we got more athletic.”

Kalen DeBoer on Alabama’s returning edge defenders & defensive linemen, along with additions. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/8B67yGhfrP

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) January 28, 2026

DeBoer went on to say he is optimistic about what this group will bring to the table.

“I think we have hopefully upgraded,” DeBoer said. “That’s my hope. I can’t say we have done it because I haven’t seen them on the football field as a whole.”

The Crimson Tide ranked 13th in total defense in 2025.