How can Alabama’s kicking game improve in 2026 season

Photo comes via Quinn's social media

Alabama fans returned to a familiar action in 2025 that it thought was no longer needed.

Will Reichard and James Burnip brought so much freedom in the kicking game that Crimson Tide supporters forgot what inconsistency looked like. 

What is the biggest advantage Austin Mack has over Keelon Russell in Alabama’s QB race?

A rude awakening came last year as Conor Talty had a roller coaster campaign and Blake Doudd had a downward spiral late in the season. Alabama fans were back to holding hands and saying chants such as “it’s only just an extra point” to get through field goals. It also regressed to disappointment when Doudd registered shanks to put the opposition in favorable field position.

Reichard was perfect on all 14 field attempts in the Tide’s College Football Playoff National Championship season in 2020, while Burnip averaged 48 yards per punt in Alabama’s 2023 Southeastern Conference Championship year. How does the program return to elite play in the kicking game? Competition will be a factor in spring practice as the Tide brought in transfers.

Lorcan Quinn, Placekicker

Lorcan Quinn entered the NCAA transfer portal as one of the top kickers in the nation.

The former Marshall standout made first-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2025, following a season of scoring 101 total points.

He made 21-of-26 field goals (80.8 percent) and 38-of-39 extra points.

Quinn became the first member of the Thunder Herd to make 20-plus field goals in a year.

Former 4-star edge “will stand out” at Alabama in 2026 season, per Yhonzae Pierre

The 6-foot-1, 196-pounder made nine of 11 attempts between 40 and 50 yards, including making four of six kicks from 50+ yards. Quinn drilled a season-long 55-yarder last season. He will push Talty in the spring, summer, and fall camp. Alabama needs someone that can guarantee it three points if an offensive drive stalls out. Quinn has the leg that can make it happen.

Adam Watford, Punter

Adam Watford, a transfer from North Alabama, appears to be the guy at punter.

He played in 35 total games across three seasons, recording thirty-two 50+ yard punts for his career to set the UNA school record. Watford, a Dothan (Ala.) native, earned Co-Specialist of the Year in the United Athletic Conference for his efforts.

He averaged 46.5 yards per punt on 66 attempts during his junior year in 2025. Watford booted a long attempt of 74 yards to set the FCS record last season, while having 17 punts of 50+ yards. He is a former FCS Freshman All-American.

His ability to flip field position puts Alabama’s defense in a spot to succeed.

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.