Alabama names its next starting left tackle: ‘He’s the guy’

Alabama Offensive Lineman Jackson Lloyd (77) during practice at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, AL on Sunday, Mar 8, 2026.

Cross left tackle off the list of Alabama’s position battles this offseason. The Crimson Tide has found its blindside blocker for the coming season, and it’s redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd. 

As for how close the battle is behind him? 

“It’s not,” Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said following Thursday’s practice. “He’s the left tackle. He’s the guy.” 

Lloyd appeared in five games during his debut season last year, taking part in just 41 offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his lack of playing time, the 6-foot-7, 317-pound lineman’s rise up the depth chart doesn’t come as a surprise to his teammates. 

“I would definitely say he was making strides [last season],” Alabama right tackle Michael Carroll said. “He’s such a freak athlete, super strong, fast, tall and a great person. So I definitely saw the development coming, and he’s starting to take advantage of his opportunities.”

Carroll is the lone returning starter from last year’s offensive line, logging six starts at right tackle. Along with announcing Lloyd as the Tide’s next left tackle, Grubb also stated that Carroll will be retaining his role on the right side of the line. Grubb also noted that Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty has been doing an “awesome job,” at the center position, noting that he has “really taken the reins quickly.” 

With seemingly three spots on its offensive line secured, Alabama will now look to fill its two openings at the guard position. 

The Crimson Tide brought in six transfer offensive linemen, including Delgatty as well as Nick Brooks (Texas), Ethan Fields (Ole Miss), Ty Haywood (Michigan), Jayvin James (Mississippi State) and Kaden Strayhorn (Michigan). Brooks (6-foot-7, 339 pounds), Fields (6-3, 319) and Haywood (6-5, 312) are the most likely to compete with returning redshirt sophomore William Sanders (6-3, 315) for the two guard openings. 

“It’s a ways away, I’ll say that,” Grubb said when asked about his offensive line gelling together. “I think that’s one of the biggest challenges for Coach [Adrian] Klemm or any O-line coach. I think in the spring, especially with so many new pieces, you’re trying to find out who the new players are, who the guys are, and then trying to get some semblance of gel to happen.”

Regardless of how Alabama’s starting five up front plays out, the Tide will need to improve on last year’s inconsistent unit. The Tide struggled to move the ball on the ground last season, ranking No. 125 nationally, averaging 104.13 rushing yards per game.

“Physicality and consistency are the two staples we’ve got to see,” Grubb said. “Guys being able to execute the game plan and understand the importance of running the ball. I think that fundamental belief begins in the spring. Guys understanding that this has to be a part of our DNA.

“Especially when you have a younger quarterback. I think we saw some of that at the end of the season with Ty where we could have helped him out and taken more off his plate if we could have effectively run the ball a little bit more. So this year that’s a big focus.”

Alabama held its third of 15 spring practices on Thursday. The Tide will return to the field on Friday.