Besides EJ Crowell, these 3 Alabama football freshmen could make an impact in 2026

Alabama football enters the 2026 season with no shortage of excitement surrounding its freshman class. While much of the buzz centers on five-star running back EJ Crowell—who spent much of the spring sidelined with an injury—the Crimson Tide roster is packed with young talent ready to make an immediate mark. Beyond Crowell, these three freshmen are positioning themselves to play critical roles in the upcoming campaign.

Adding Firepower at Receiver

The wide receiver room faces a significant hurdle to open the season. Following a spring scrimmage injury that will sideline transfer addition Noah Rogers, the team needs reliable playmakers to step up alongside established targets like Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzier Brooks. While veterans such as Rico Scott and Derek Meadows remain key factors, a breakout performance by one newcomer could shift the dynamic.

Benjamin Russell product Morgan delivered a standout A-Day showing, racking up three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, he offers a unique physical presence that complements the team’s existing rotation. Given Alabama's history of relying on true freshman receivers over the past two seasons, Morgan is certainly a name to watch.

The Defensive Backfield X-Factor

Alabama’s secondary is stacked with experience, featuring the return of starters Zabien Brown, Dijon Lee, Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, and Red Morgan. Depth is further bolstered by contributors like Carmelo O’Neal, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Zay Mincey, and Ivan Taylor. Despite this crowded room, five-star safety Edwards is making a serious case for playing time.

Standing 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds, Edwards displayed his potential during A-Day by breaking up a deep pass intended for Coleman-Williams. His physical tools and promising scrimmage performance suggest that if his development continues, it will be difficult for the coaching staff to keep him off the field.

Brown’s Backfield Potential

Running back was a position of concern for the Crimson Tide last season, and while Trae’Shawn Brown wasn't initially viewed as an instant starter, he turned heads throughout the spring. Head coach Kalen DeBoer offered praise for the three-star back from Huntsville, Texas, specifically noting his performance during short-yardage and goal-line drills.

“I thought throughout the week... there was a live session, short-yardage, goal-line, things like that, that he showed some pop,” DeBoer said. “He showed some instinctiveness on how to get that first down when it’s 3rd-and-2, 4th-and-1, whatever it might be.” While he may not start at the top of the depth chart, Brown’s growth provides an intriguing narrative for 205focus.com readers to track as the 2026 season unfolds.