OPINION: This could be Alabama’s potential starting OL for 2026 season

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*This article is not based on any analytics or factual data.

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It is solely my opinion as a journalist that has covered the University of Alabama football for nearly 20 years for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. We have only witnessed a week of spring practice, but a couple of significant things have happened. It will be interesting to see how the remainder of spring goes, but this would simply be my projected starting offensive line.

Ryan Grubb, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, opened several eyes last week when he stated Jackson Lloyd is the starting left tackle. The redshirt freshman played five games as a backup in 2025, yet he’s done enough to earn Grubb’s attention.

Michael Carroll, a sophomore, has the most experience of anyone in the room at Alabama – playing 14 games last year.

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He made six starts at right guard and right tackle, showing position flexibility up front. 

Everything starts with Lloyd and Carroll, but what about the other three spots?

Here is where things get interesting.

Grubb named Lloyd as the left tackle, but one must expect shifting to be done on the line.

Carroll can play anywhere across the unit, Racin Delgatty has experience at center from Cal Poly, and what about transfer Jayvin James from Miss. State?

Adrian Klemm, the Crimson Tide’s new offensive line coach, has a responsibility to deliver a productive group that will set a physical tone.

Alabama needs to restore balance on offense and protect its quarterback. A Joe Moore Award-type front would be excellent; however, the Tide just needs a formidable group for now. Below is my projection of what Alabama could look like.

Jackson Lloyd, LT

People might be upset at Grubb for giving away the sauce, but if Lloyd is that dude then it remains up to opposing defensive linemen to stop him. The 6-foot-7, 317-pounder has some experience and will only get better with more.

William Sanders, LG

Will Sanders is out this spring because of an injury from last season.

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Nick Brooks, a transfer from Texas, is working at left guard, yet Sanders has an opportunity to snatch it back in preseason.

Sanders, an Alabama native, played 15 games in 2025 and logged 17 games for his career. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder is a massive presence as a guard. He would be a tremendous help to Lloyd on the right side of him and Delgatty on the left.

Racin Delgatty, C

He is not the biggest guy on the offensive line; nevertheless, Racin Delgatty is bigger than Parker Brailsford was when he transferred from Washington to Alabama.

The 6-foot-3, 301-pounder has 22 games under his belt at Cal Poly, including 11 starts at center last season.

He has more experience at the position than the Tide’s other transfer, Kayden Strayhorn from Michigan. Delgatty is becoming more comfortable with the team. He did well against small competition, but his test will be can he handle the SEC?

Michael Carroll, RG

Carroll’s position flexibility makes him a fit for right guard.

He started six of 14 games between guard and tackle so he knows both. Carroll allowed four sacks in 546 snaps, but made Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC honors per the league’s coaches. He will be better as a sophomore, especially with his desire to be great.

Jayvin James, RT

Jayvin James has to be the second starting tackle.

The Mississippi State transfer allowed just three sacks in 856 snaps last year. He played 12 games for the Bulldogs – including nine starts at left tackle. Multiple college football analysts love his tape as he was one of the lone bright spots in Starkville, Miss.

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