Former Alabama LB tells why he believes Tide will play more base defense with bigger linemen in 2026

Christian Miller, who is a former Alabama linebacker, believes the Tide will play more base defense in 2026.

Miller explained his reasoning on “The Millers’ Edge” when he provided a breakdown of why more size along its defensive front could allow Alabama to be effective while playing a base defense more instead of running a lot of stunts.

“Indiana does it a lot, too, and they’re great when they’re executed flawlessly,” Miller said. “But there’s other times where it can actually kind of be an issue because when you have loopers, if the timing’s not right, if a guy doesn’t execute completely, you sometimes are pretty much just opening up a gap. You’re running a out gap. So, that’s what I meant to hit on earlier. So when they talk about playing more base, I think they’re also talking about like from a technique standpoint, not having to feel like they’re depending on tackles and noses running these run stunts and games up front so much. Just having big bodies that can really just strike, play their gaps up front, without being so cute. Almost simplifying things up front on the defensive side of things, which I like.”

Alabama’s Defensive Line Got Bigger & Is looking to Play More “Base” in 2026

Here’s What That Really Means & Why It Matters 👇 pic.twitter.com/gtPNxPB7SC

— The Millers’ Edge (@TheMillersEdge) March 30, 2026

Alabama added some size up front during the offseason, via the transfer portal. Devan Thompkins, Terrance Green and Kedrick Bingley-Jones were all listed at impressive sizes on the Tide’s spring roster. Thompkins checked in at 6-foot-5 and 298 pounds. Green was 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds and Bingley-Jones was 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds.

A lot of signs point to the Tide being bigger upfront on defense this fall. However, what that will mean for the Tide remains to be seen.