5 important questions Kalen DeBoer will have to answer at SEC Media Days

Jul 17, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer speaking at Omni Dallas Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer will speak with the press on Wednesday morning at the 2026 SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida. 

The Crimson Tide head coach will more than likely be faced with a handful of tough questions when he takes the podium later this week. DeBoer finds himself entering a critical third season as Alabama’s head coach, and the Tide have a plethora of unanswered questions at multiple positions prior to fall camp.

Here are five important questions that head coach Kalen DeBoer will have to answer at SEC Media Days on Wednesday morning. 

What is the latest on the Tide’s quarterback battle?

One of the most highly anticipated questions that remain prior to the 2026 campaign is who Alabama’s starting quarterback will be. DeBoer currently finds himself with a quarterback battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell on his hands, and the head coach will undoubtedly be asked for an update on Wednesday. Each quarterback is an extremely talented option who proved to shine on a handful of occasions last season, but DeBoer will more than likely be asked about the duo on multiple occasions nonetheless.

How will Alabama improve its run game?

Alabama struggled immensely on the ground throughout the entire 2025 season. DeBoer is expected to turn to Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and AK Dear to take on the majority of the workload in 2026, but promising true freshman EJ Crowell could receive a significant opportunity this season as well. The Crimson Tide head coach will constantly be asked about Alabama’s running back depth later this week, and DeBoer may provide an update as to who the true running back one (RB1) will be. 

How is the new-look offensive line progressing over the course of the offseason?

Alabama’s offensive line will feature just one returning player from the 2025 team in sophomore Michael Carroll. The Tide’s offensive line will play under a new coach this season in Adrian Klemm as well, and DeBoer will be asked about the progression of both Klemm and the line as a whole over the course of the offseason. DeBoer and the Tide were able to reload the offensive line in recent months, but the Alabama head coach will be asked the trenches nonetheless. 

What is the status of injured playmakers Noah Rogers and EJ Crowell?

Rogers and Crowell are an extremely talented duo who could make a massive impact at Alabama this season if they prove to be fully healthy. Rogers suffered a torn ACL during the Crimson Tide’s A-day spring game, while Crowell suffered a soft tissue injury during spring practice. DeBoer will more than likely be asked about each playmaker on Wednesday morning, and an injury update in regard to the duo should arise in the near future. 

How will Caleb Woodson and other transfer players fit on the Tide’s defense?

Alabama was able to land a handful of defensive talent from the transfer portal over the course of the offseason. Former Virginia Tech linebacker Caleb Woodson is expected to play a critical role throughout his first season in Tuscaloosa, while former USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins should quickly make his presence known as well. DeBoer will more than likely be asked about a handful of transfer players on the defensive side of the football later this week, and each veteran may emerge with an essential role this season.