Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The University of Alabama football program is taking a new route on leadership for the 2026 season. Head coach Kalen DeBoer told the media on Monday that the Crimson Tide have not yet chosen team captains and will wait to make those appointments as the season progresses.
Why the change?
DeBoer explained that the roster this year includes fewer players with extensive program experience, prompting the staff to rely on a “unity council” to serve as a liaison between the coaching staff and the squad. “They’ve done a great job providing the voice between me and the team,” he said, adding that the council will continue to operate until formal captains are selected.
Recent captain history
In 2024, the Tide named quarterback Jalen Milroe, offensive lineman Tyler Booker, safety Malachi Moore and linebacker Deontae Lawson as captains. Milroe, Booker and Moore moved on to the NFL, while Lawson recovered from a knee injury sustained in the 24‑3 loss to Oklahoma. The 2025 captains were Lawson, defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, center Parker Brailsford and quarterback Ty Simpson, all of whom also departed for the professional ranks after the season.
Potential leaders for 2026
On defense, senior starters Bray Hubbard and Zabien Brown, both All‑SEC and All‑American candidates, are strong candidates. Front‑four veteran Yhonzae Pierre and linebacker Keon Sabb, who earned recent praise from the coaching staff, could also be considered. Transfer linebacker Caleb Woodson from Virginia Tech is another possible option.
Offensively, the picture is less clear. The quarterback position has traditionally produced captains, but both Milroe and Simpson left early for the NFL. Second‑year quarterback Russell, who saw limited action last season, may be a long shot. Wide receiver Ryan Coleman‑Williams, a third‑year starter, is a likely candidate. The staff might also look to transfers such as center Racin Delgatty or tight end Josh Ford, or to second‑year linemen like left tackle Jackson Lloyd, right guard Michael Carroll, tight end Kaleb Edwards, or wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks.
Season opener details
Alabama will open the 2026 campaign at home against the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday, September 5, with kickoff scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Central Time.
Wyatt Fulton, the Tide’s 100.9 DME and brand manager, provided the information and will continue coverage of Alabama football on X (formerly Twitter) at @FultonW_.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
