5 second-year Alabama football players set to be more impactful in 2026

Photo via Alabama Athletics

Alabama football could see multiple players take advantage of expanded roles in their second year with the Crimson Tide this fall.

The list is a fluid one, as clearer paths to the field for players not on this list could likely emerge during fall camp.

Here is a look at five of the Tide’s second-year players trending to take a step forward in production this fall, ahead of summer workouts:

Jackson Lloyd – Offensive Tackle

Lloyd is set to start at left tackle for the Crimson Tide for the first time this fall. He appeared to take hold of the position in emphatic fashion as the Tide’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb named him a starter early in the spring. Grubb referred to him as ‘the guy’ and stated there was no competition at left tackle for Alabama, following a spring practice in March. Lloyd played a little over 40 offensive snaps during the 2025 season.

“I would definitely say he was making strides [last season],” Alabama offensive lineman Michael Carroll said when aked about Lloyd this spring. “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.”

Marshall Pritchett – Tight End

Pritchett played in every game for the Crimson Tide last season, but most of those snaps came on special teams. He saw his offensive role expand as the season went on. He finished the year with 57 yards on seven receptions. He led the Tide in receiving against Eastern Illinois.

The former four-star is expected to be a valuable member of the Tide’s tight-end rotation this fall after a solid spring. Kalen DeBoer highlighted him as a top performer after one of the Tide’s spring scrimmages.

“Marshall had a nice scrimmage today,” DeBoer said. “It was one of his better showings as far as not just doing what you are supposed to do, but standing out and making some plays.”

Steve Mboumoua – Defensive Lineman

Steve Mboumoua passes the eye test at first glance, with his 6-foot-4, 308-pound frame. He was disruptive throughout A-Day for the Tide’s defense. Kane Wommack tends to rotate his defensive front quite a bit, and Mboumoua looks to be in a position to carve out a role in the interior of the Tide’s defense.

The Canadian native played in three games for the Tide last season and took a redshirt.

Big Steve Mboumoua LAUNCHED AK Dear on this touchdown throw from Keelon Russell 👀💪 pic.twitter.com/R72Wg4AHVN

— The Millers’ Edge (@TheMillersEdge) April 11, 2026

Derek Meadows – Wide Receiver

Meadows capped off a strong spring with a great showing on A-Day. The 6-foot-5 wideout pulled in several receptions after Kalen DeBoer praised him.

“We’ve had a lot of youth on the football field the last two years, but maybe a guy like Derek Meadows sticks out in my mind,” DeBoer said on “Hey Coach.” “You saw Lotzeir (Brooks) get on the football field at the receiver position, especially the second half of the season, but Derek is a long receiver that can really cover a lot of ground, has made a lot of nice plays here all spring.”

Meadows did not record a catch in his first season with Alabama, but he did play some meaningful offensive snaps. He got the nod to start against LSU. With Noah Rogers expected to miss the first half of the season, Meadows has a chance to step into an even bigger role for Alabama.

Ryan Coleman-Williams also praised Meadows after A-Day.

“Y’all seen it,” Coleman-Williams said. “It was pretty consistent and that’s what it’s been throughout the entire spring. I think we’re on practice 14 now, this is 13 or 14, and that’s pretty much who Derrick Meadows is. He’s gonna make the play, he’s gonna be in position. So really nothing that I didn’t expect. He’s a super consistent guy, always smiling, always ready to come to work every single day.”

Derek Meadows was EVERYWHERE today 😳 pic.twitter.com/FHrzxgO42w

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) April 12, 2026

Ivan Taylor – Defensive Back

Taylor stepped up at safety with Bray Hubbard limited this spring, and he appeared to take full advantage of his opportunity. With Keon Sabb and Hubbard returning to the Tide, Taylor is not expected to have an opportunity to start for the Tide in 2026, but he can carve out a role as a nice rotation piece for the Tide in 2026.

The Florida product played in all 15 games for Alabama last season, but like Pritchett, the majority of his snaps came on special teams. He earned meaningful defensive snaps in the Tide’s final two games of the season.

Keon Sabb praised Taylor during the spring.

“Just continuing to get better each and every day,” Sabb said. “A guy that keys into any little details, so when you see that from young guys, it’s really important.”