If this fall’s training camp buzz for Alabama is true, the Crimson Tide are going to get right back to the College Football Playoff in 2026.

Last season, Alabama’s run game was terrible. It was a glaring issue that held them back in critical moments. The Crimson Tide averaged only 3.4 yards per carry, a mark way below typical Crimson Tide standards. There is hope that A.K. Deer and Daniel Hill can step up with new faces along the offensive line, but it sounds like a highly touted freshman is starting to emerge as the potential answer.

Alabama freshman RB EJ Crowell is standing out during fall camp

Per Brad Crawford of CBS Sports, EJ Crowell is already flashing his potential during fall camp.

“Crowell arrived in Tuscaloosa with a college-ready frame and has quickly shown why he was one of the cycle’s most coveted ball carriers,” Crawford wrote.

That type of early buzz is significant for a program that desperately needs to establish a ground game. Crowell could have a very similar impact to that of Bo Jackson for Ohio State in 2025. The Buckeyes started the year running the football slowly, and their inconsistencies forced them to transition from C.J. Donaldson to Jackson as the primary ball carrier. When they made that switch, their run game looked completely different, and their offense was far more consistent.

Crowell could serve as the spark plug to reignite Alabama’s offensive engine in 2026

Alabama needs that same kind of spark. If the Crimson Tide want to return to the College Football Playoff, they are going to need contributions from unexpected, up-and-coming names.

The Tide will certainly need improvements along their offensive line in order to accomplish this. With big names like Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford on to the NFL, they’ll need youngsters to step up. Highly touted second-year guys Jackson Lloyd and Michael Carroll will need to have an immediate impact, as will transfers Jayvin James and Racin Delgatty.

If the offensive line can gel with new faces and Crowell can play to his potential, then the Alabama offense can look completely different than last year. Instead of streaks of inconsistency, it can be a steadier season.

Bottom line: Crowell has every bit of potential to be the No. 1 freshman running back in the country next season, and the early returns out of Tuscaloosa are encouraging for a program ready to reclaim its place among college football’s elite.