The dust hasn't even settled on the 2025 season, but the University of Alabama football news cycle is already moving at a breakneck speed. Honestly, if you blinked during the last forty-eight hours, you probably missed three roster moves and a Hall of Fame announcement. It’s chaotic. It’s Tuscaloosa in January.
Kalen DeBoer is currently navigating his first true "reloading" phase after a 2025 campaign that ended with a thud in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. That 38-3 loss to Indiana—yeah, you read that right, Indiana—still tastes like ash for most of the fan base. But today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, brought a mix of nostalgia and massive roster clarity that should stop some of the bleeding.
The Big Returns: Keon Sabb and Yhonzae Pierre Stay Put
Let's get into the meat of the actual team. Today was the NFL Draft declaration deadline for underclassmen, and Bama fans finally got the "stay" news they were praying for. Both safety Keon Sabb and edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre have officially decided to return for the 2026 season.
This is huge.
Sabb is essentially the quarterback of that secondary. He’s 6-foot-1, 204 pounds of pure instinct. After a broken foot derailed his 2024, he came back in 2025 and started every single game, racking up 52 tackles. Losing him would have left a crater in the back end, especially with six other defensive starters already packing their bags for the NFL or the portal.
Then you've got Pierre. Getting a high-level edge rusher back in this system is like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your winter coat, except the bill is worth millions in potential sacks. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is probably sleeping a lot better tonight knowing he has these two anchors back.
🔗 Read more: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
Ty Simpson Out, A New QB Battle In
While the defense got some stability, the offense is hitting the "reset" button. Ty Simpson has officially declared for the NFL Draft. He had a solid run as the starter, but after cracking a rib during that Rose Bowl loss, it felt like the natural end of an era.
So, who's next?
Basically, we’re looking at a two-horse race this spring between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.
- Austin Mack: The 6-foot-6 giant who followed DeBoer from Washington. He’s got the system down. He completed over 74% of his passes in limited action and filled in for the injured Simpson during the Indiana game.
- Keelon Russell: The former five-star from Texas. He’s twitchy and has a cannon for an arm.
The university’s NIL collective, Yea Alabama, actually moved fast to secure both of them with new revenue-sharing deals this week. They aren't going anywhere. It’s going to be a fascinating spring practice to see if Mack’s experience in the "Husky-style" offense wins out over Russell’s raw, explosive ceiling. Don't forget about Jett Thomalla, the four-star freshman from Nebraska who just enrolled. He’s the dark horse.
Mark Ingram Joins the Immortals
In a bit of news that makes every Bama fan feel old, Mark Ingram was officially named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class today.
💡 You might also like: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
It feels like just yesterday he was stiff-arming the entire SEC on his way to the program's first Heisman in 2009. He’s the 28th person from Alabama to get the call. The ceremony isn’t until December at the Bellagio in Vegas, but seeing his name alongside Nick Saban (who was inducted in the 2025 class) just feels right. It reminds you that even when the current roster is in flux, the "Gold Standard" is still the foundation.
The Transfer Portal: A Mixed Bag
If you follow the University of Alabama football news on social media, you’ve seen the meltdowns. The portal has been... stressful.
Kalen DeBoer and GM Courtney Morgan have taken a specific approach: they prioritize retention and high school recruiting over "buying" every big name in the portal. It hasn’t always been popular. Missing out on NC State running back Hollywood Smothers—who flipped to Texas at the last minute—hurt. Same for Auburn wideout Cam Coleman choosing the Longhorns over the Tide.
But it’s not all bad.
Bama picked up Caleb Woodson, a hard-hitting linebacker from Virginia Tech, and Ty Haywood, a massive tackle from Michigan. They are clearly trying to get more physical upfront. The offensive line was a turnstile at times last year, and with Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford both heading to the NFL, DeBoer is basically building a new wall from scratch.
📖 Related: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
Looking at the 2026 Schedule
The 2026 path isn't exactly a cake walk. It starts on September 5th against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny.
The game everyone is already circling? September 19th against Florida State. After the Seminoles beat Bama in 2025, the "revenge" narrative is going to be suffocating. Toss in a trip to Knoxville in October and a home date against Georgia, and you realize DeBoer doesn't have much of a honeymoon period left.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason
If you’re trying to keep up with the Tide, here is what actually matters for your radar:
- Watch the O-Line Weight Room: Pay attention to spring reports on Tyrell Miller and Jared Doughty. If these young guys don't bulk up fast, the new QB won't have time to breathe.
- Track the "Bandit" Position: With Yhonzae Pierre returning, see how Wommack uses the younger guys like Jamarion Matthews in the rotation.
- Follow the Freshmen: Keep an eye on Ezavier "EJ" Crowell. The 5-star running back from Jackson, Alabama, is already on campus. With Jam Miller gone, Crowell could be the Day 1 starter.
The era of Nick Saban is firmly in the rearview mirror now. This is Kalen DeBoer's team, for better or worse. The talent is there—the 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked #2 in the country—but the transition to the "new" college football world is still a work in progress.
Check back for the A-Day game updates in April; that's when we'll really see if this new-look offense has some teeth.