Alabama names starter at linebacker next to Caleb Woodson: ‘Field-general presence’
Luke Metz, QB Reese and others have been competing for one linebacker spot next to Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson.
Olivia Bennett 
Alabama football has officially solidified its starting inside linebacker duo ahead of the season opener against East Carolina. While Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson was locked into one role, the coaching staff spent the preseason evaluating the competition for the spot alongside him.
The Decision
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack confirmed that sophomore Luke Metz has emerged as the starter. "Luke Metz is really our other starter right now," Wommack said. "But those other guys have done a really good job. I am pleased with that room. Chuck Morrell has done a fantastic job with the development in that room. You’re going to see a number of guys in there, but Luke and Caleb will be the first two out."
Rising to the Challenge
Metz, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound product out of Hoschton, Georgia, spent the 2025 season primarily contributing on special teams. According to Wommack, the sophomore has taken significant strides in his development, specifically in his mental processing and leadership on the field.
"Luke’s anticipation and the confidence in being able to pull the trigger" have set him apart, Wommack noted. "He sees the run fits so much better right now. 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’s the way you want a linebacker to play the game."
Depth and Rotation
While Metz and Woodson are set to open the game, Alabama fans should expect a rotation, as is standard under Wommack. Players like QB Reese, Abduall Sanders Jr., Duke Johnson, and freshman Xavier Griffin—who also offers flexibility off the edge—remain in the mix for snaps.
Alabama historically utilizes its depth, mirroring the 2025 rotation where Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson led the way while Nikhai Hill-Green factored heavily into the scheme. The Crimson Tide look to put that depth to work when they kick off the season on Saturday, Sept. 5, against East Carolina.
