Alabama offseason predictions: Who will be leading rusher?

The Alabama football backfield is officially entering a new era. With Jam Miller moving on to the NFL draft, the Crimson Tide are looking to fill a vacancy at the top of the rushing leaderboard. Miller recorded 130 carries for 504 yards and three scores in 2025, a mark that the 2026 offense is aiming to surpass to bolster the ground attack.

The Returning Core

In the wake of Miller's departure, the spotlight shifts to returners like Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear. Hill leads the pack in terms of returning production, having logged 75 carries for 284 yards and a team-high six rushing touchdowns in 2025. Riley also returns to the mix after navigating a broken jaw last season; he finished the year with 59 carries for 224 yards and two scores.

The Newcomers

Alabama has bolstered its depth with transfer Khalifa Keith and freshmen additions EJ Crowell and Trae'shawn Brown. Brown, a three-star product from Huntsville, Texas, has been a notable riser, making the most of his opportunities throughout spring practices and A-Day sessions. While a long shot, his performance has certainly earned him a spot in the conversation.

The Crowell Factor

All eyes are on EJ Crowell, who brings significant buzz to the position at 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds. As the No. 2 running back in the 2025 class, his potential is immense. Crowell generated significant hype before arriving in Tuscaloosa, with former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers telling 205focus.com during a high school coaching encounter that he was the best he had ever seen at the prep level.

The Outlook

While Hill’s physical running style makes him a prime candidate to lead the team in rushing touchdowns, the dynamic potential of Crowell—once he fully masters the system following a spring sidelined by injury—could make him the most dangerous weapon in the backfield. The competition for carries is wide open, but 2025's departures have paved the way for a fresh face to lead the charge.