Former Alabama DB says Tide’s new starting linebacker has nose for the football

Luke Metz has earned one of the Crimson Tide’s starting inside linebackers job ahead of the 2026 season.

Metz has been one of the most talked about risers for the Crimson Tide throughout fall camp. Former Alabama defensive back Will Lowery has had his eyes on Metz for a long time, and he said the linebacker looks as if he can fly around the field.

“I noticed Metz at practice spring of last year,” Lowery posted to X. “He was running with the 2’s that day and flying around making almost every play. Has a nose for the ball, excited to see what he can do in the middle for us this season.”

Alabama football’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack recently described Metz as a field general.

“He sees the run fits so much better right now,” Wommack said. “He’s got a little bit of a field-general presence. When you watch him on game day, watch the way he communicates out there and the way he points things out and plays with anticipation, it is the way you want a linebacker to play the game.”

Metz will earn his first career start against East Carolina.