Kalen DeBoer just named the two freshmen every fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide should keep an eye on at 2026 SEC Media Days
The Alabama Crimson Tide were featured during Wednesday morning’s session of the 2026 SEC Media Days, and head coach Kalen DeBoer led things off with some very compelling comments about Alabama.
Alabama Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer made it clear at the 2026 SEC Media Days on Wednesday that freshmen EJ Crowell and Cederian Morgan will be fixtures on the Alabama offense this fall. Despite their youth, DeBoer expressed confidence that both players are ready to contribute immediately, drawing a direct line to the development path that Ryan Coleman-Williams followed during his own freshman campaign.
When asked whether Crowell and Morgan could replicate what Coleman-Williams accomplished as a first-year player, DeBoer offered a detailed answer about the process Coleman-Williams went through starting in fall camp and carrying over into the regular season. The Crimson Tide plan to take a similar approach with this freshman class. The message was clear: expect both names to play significant roles in 2026.
Key Alabama freshman 2026
- Ezavier Crowell: 5-star running back from Jackson, AL.
- Xavier Griffin: 5-star linebacker from Gainesville, GA.
- Jireh Edwards: 5-star safety from Upper Marlboro, MD.
- Cederian Morgan: 5-star receiver from Alexander City, AL.
- Jett Thomalla: 5-star quarterback from Omaha, NE
Cederian Morgan could become a passing game fixture
The Alabama wide receiver room already features Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lottie Brooks as established contributors. Noah Rogers is also in the mix, though DeBoer indicated he expects Rogers to miss a few early games before returning.
That potential absence opens a door for Morgan, who flashed during spring practice and A-Day. There is a real path for the freshman wideout to carve out a role in the passing game, particularly if Rogers is unavailable for the first few weeks. Alabama’s receiver depth is strong, but Morgan’s talent could push him into meaningful snaps sooner than most freshmen at the position.
EJ Crowell stands out in a wide-open backfield
The running back room presents an even clearer opportunity. Names like A.K. Dear and Daniel Hill are in the conversation, but none of them bring the dynamic ability that Crowell possesses. The truth is, the starting job is wide open, and Crowell has the tools to seize it.
Being a freshman running back in the SEC carries a unique burden. The physical intensity, the week-to-week grind, the quality of defenses on the schedule are unlike anything else in college football. That workload tests even experienced backs. But Crowell’s skill set suggests he can handle it. If anyone in this freshman class is built to absorb that kind of punishment and thrive, it’s him.
2 freshmen to watch as fall camp approaches
DeBoer’s comments at SEC Media Days reinforced what the spring already hinted at: Alabama’s 2026 offense will lean on young talent. Coleman-Williams proved that freshmen can make an immediate impact under DeBoer’s development structure, and both Crowell and Morgan appear positioned to follow that same blueprint.
Fall camp opens in a matter of weeks. When it does, these two freshmen will be among the most important players to track as the Crimson Tide prepare for the season.