Knoxville, Tenn. – The Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, for a marquee SEC showdown against the Tennessee Volunteers. The game, set to kick off at 2:45 p.m. CT on ABC, pits the No. 6 Crimson Tide against the No. 14 Volunteers. In preparation, Alabama’s coaching staff released the official depth chart, highlighting the impact of recent injuries and the players expected to start.
Offensive lineup
Quarterback: Keelon Russell leads the unit, with Austin Mack and Jett Thomalla listed as backups.
Running backs: Daniel Hill is the primary ball carrier. The backfield depth includes Trae’shawn Brown, EJ Crowell, AK Dear, and Kevin Riley, all listed as viable options.
Wide receivers: Rico Scott and Noah Rogers occupy the Z and X slots respectively. Derek Meadows and Cederian Morgan line up at the H position, while Lotzeir Brooks and Tyler Henderson fill the H slot as well.
Tight ends: Kaleb Edwards, Josh Ford, and Danny Lewis Jr. share the Y position, while Marshall Pritchett and Jay Lindsey are listed at the H spot.
Offensive line: The tackle positions feature Jackson Lloyd and Nick Brooks at left tackle, with Jayvin James and Tyrell Miller anchoring the right side. Guard depth includes William Sanders, Ethan Fields, Michael Carroll, and Kaden Strayhorn. Center is Racin Delgatty (ruled out for the game) with Mal Waldrep Jr. and Casey Poe listed as alternatives.
Defensive alignment
Defensive line: Devan Thompkins and Fatutoa Henry are the primary ends. At nose tackle, London Simmons and Isaia Faga rotate, while the interior defensive tackle spots feature Kedrick Bingley-Jones, Devan Thompkins, and Edric Hill.
Linebackers: Yhonzae Pierre and Jah‑Marien Latham hold the wolf positions, with Caleb Woodson, Xavier Griffin, and Luke Metz listed as additional linebackers.
Secondary: Cornerbacks Zabien Brown and Zyan Gibson start at the outside spots. The other cornerback slot alternates between Dijon Lee Jr. and Carmelo O’Neal. Safety depth includes Bray Hubbard, Zavier Mincey, Keon Sabb, and the versatile Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., who also appears at the H safety position alongside Ivan Taylor and Red Morgan.
Special teams
Kicker/Punter: Lorcan Quinn and Conor Talty share duties. Hold duties are assigned to Alex Asparuhov, who also serves as the punter.
Long snapper: Adam Watford and Anderson Green are listed.
Return specialists: Ethan Stangle and Alex Rozier split return responsibilities.
Patriots: Dijon Lee Jr., Rico Scott, and Lotzeir Brooks are among the players eligible for punt and kickoff returns.
Context and outlook
Alabama enters the contest with a strong record but has been forced to adjust its lineup due to injuries, most notably at the center position where Racin Delgatty is unavailable. The depth chart reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in the depth of the roster, giving younger players an opportunity to contribute on a national stage.
The Volunteers, playing at home, will look to leverage their own depth and the advantage of familiar surroundings. Both programs have emphasized the importance of family, faith, and hard work throughout the season, values that resonate with fans across the Southeast.
For Alabama supporters, the game represents a chance to reinforce the team’s standing in the SEC and keep the Crimson Tide’s championship aspirations alive. Tennessee fans, meanwhile, hope to showcase the Volunteers’ resilience and prove they can compete with the nation’s elite.
Stay tuned for live coverage on ABC and follow local sports outlets for post‑game analysis and player reactions.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
