5 things we will learn about Alabama football in spring practice

Oct 18, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on in the third quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Alabama football gets spring football rolling in Tuscaloosa next week with a lot of question marks surrounding the Crimson Tide.

There is competition everywhere on both sides of the football ahead of spring practice. There have also been some new coaching hires and movement on the Tide’s staff.

Here is a look at three things Touchdown Alabama is looking forward to learning throughout spring practice:

Early Pecking Order

Will a few players establish themselves as starters or potential starters this spring? Yes, this could happen at some positions, but it is more likely a picture of where players stand in the pecking order in the eyes of Alabama’s staff will be painted. It will be interesting to see who gets the most reps with the perceived first group on both sides of the football throughout the spring. Another thing to monitor is who Kalen DeBoer and Alabama’s coordinators highlight when asked about specific positions.

Position Confirmation

There is uncertainty about which positions a few guys will play in 2026. Desmond Umeozulu is one of those guys. He fits the bill to be a wolf linebacker for the Crimson Tide, but it is not wild to think he could play the bandit role. Michael Carroll played guard and tackle as a freshman for Alabama in 2025, and it is unclear what position he will primarily play in the fall. Multiple offensive and defensive linemen are in this position.

Trusted Depth Options

One of the things Alabama football’s coaching staff felt really good about coming out of the last spring was the trusted depth they felt they had built. This will likely be a goal this spring as well. The Tide’s staff will for sure be looking to find starters at multiple positions, but they will also be looking at dependable depth options.

New Jersey Numbers

Alabama’s roster will be updated, and some key Alabama players will likely be sporting new numbers. Yhonzae Pierre has already come out and said he wear No. 0 in 2026 after sporting No. 42 in his first season with the Tide. Some of Alabama’s newcomers via the transfer portal and high school ranks will also have their numbers revealed.

Weight Updates

Weight updates are always worth noting and discussing. Also, the weights listed for the first-year players will likely draw some attention.