How this USC transfer can help Alabama’s defense in 2026: ‘A special skillset’

The landscape of Alabama football’s defensive front is undergoing a major evolution for the 2026 season. Central to this transformation is the “bandit” position, a key defensive end role that coordinator Kane Wommack is utilizing to reshape the Tide’s defensive identity.

A Versatile New Addition

A primary catalyst for this shift is Southern Cal transfer Devan Thompkins. Since arriving in Tuscaloosa this offseason, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound veteran has immediately caught the coaching staff's attention.

“Devan is a special skillset just to be able to be that big and athletic, and he moves and does some things, both from the Bandit position and the three-technique position,” Wommack said. “It allows me as a play caller, there’s a lot of different things we can do with him. But just his physicality, his ability to take on blocks, disengage.”

Thompkins brings significant experience to the roster, having spent four seasons at USC. During his 2025 campaign, he recorded 31 tackles and three sacks.

Stopping the Run and Creating Chaos

Wommack believes Thompkins’ size creates a nightmare for opposing offenses looking to attack the C-gap. By constricting that area, the Alabama defense aims to stifle running games and prevent runners from finding lanes to wind back.

“You look at the tight ends in our league and there’s some really good tight ends,” Wommack noted. “He’s gonna be really hard to be able to say we’re gonna put a tight end 1-on-1 with him and win in that C-area. It definitely helps the dynamic of what we need to do to stop the run.”

Building a Rotation

While Thompkins provides a sturdy anchor, the bandit role is set to be a collaborative effort. Wommack pointed to a deep group of contributors expected to rotate based on situational needs.

“There’s a number of guys that are in that spot that are getting reps right now,” Wommack said. “Edric Hill is actually doing some in certain packages for us. Then of course Kevonte Henry, Desmond Umeozulu is in there as well. And then we’ve got, you’ve seen us last year, there’s packages where Yhonzae (Pierre) is playing Bandit.”

The flexibility of the unit allows the staff to toggle between run-stopping specialists and pass-rush threats depending on the down and distance. “A lot of things that we can do there creatively,” Wommack added.

The Crimson Tide are back on the practice field Wednesday followed by a scrimmage on Thursday. Alabama opens its 2025 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.