Multiple Alabama football players appear to have improved their stock in the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage of fall camp ahead of the 2026 season.
Touchdown Alabama takes a look at five, based on intel we have gathered and Kalen DeBoer’s comments after the scrimmage:
Trae’shawn Brown
Brown can be seen making some tough runs in the highlights the Crimson Tide released on Thursday evening. Him continuing to flash combined with EJ Crowell being limited and AK Dear going down with an injury have him in a solid position to have an opportunity to earn playing time early in the season over the next few weeks in fall camp.
Luke Metz
Kalen DeBoer highlighted Metz immediately following the scrimmage.
“I’m speaking more about the week of practice, probably not so much about this scrimmage, but a guy like Luke Metz being able to run sideline to sideline,” DeBoer said. “He’s a guy I’d make a note of. Just like the way he plays. Every snap as a young guy, he’s getting better and better as you would expect.”
Sources in attendance for the scrimmage described Metz as a savvy linebacker, who was coming down hill with bad intentions. He is competing to start at inside linebacker.
Keelon Russell
Russell was describe as having a different spark to him as the future of Alabama football at the quarterback position. Is it Russell’s time now or will he have to wait? The answers to that question has not been stated yet. Russell flashed how dynamic he can be at quarterback for the Crimson Tide on A-Day, and he continues to show that dimension of his game. This trend has to be positively impacting Russell’s chances of becoming the starter this fall.
Carmelo O’Neal
O’Neal has garnered praise in the past from teammates and coaches. The 6-foot-4 cornerback garnered more praise from onlookers on Thursday, with one viewer telling Touchdown Alabama the Mercer transfer will be a big help for the Tide this season. Dijon Lee and Zabien Brown are expected to start at cornerback for the Tide this season. O’Neal will likely add depth to the position. It would not be surprising to see him earn meaningful snaps at corner even if Lee and Brown remain healthy throughout the season.
Derek Meadows
Meadows is competing for a starting wide receiver role for the Crimson Tide. He had a strong spring and is translating that into a strong start to fall camp. He pulled in a touchdown reception from Austin Mack during the scrimmage. The 6-foot-5 wide receiver looks to be well on his way to giving the Tide a big and long target to throw the ball to this fall.
