Alabama Running Back Resurgence
Alabama Crimson Tide Readies Running Backs for 2026 Season Amidst Offensive Shift
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Alabama's running game was one of college football's worst in 2025, and the Crimson Tide know it. The team ranked 125th nationally, averaging just 104.1 yards per game on the ground, according to Charlotte Observer. Heading into 2026, fixing that problem is a top priority.
The good news: Alabama is bringing in reinforcements. The Tide landed EJ Crowell, the top-rated running back in the Class of 2026, to join a more experienced backfield. Coach Kalen DeBoer says he believes the offense can run the ball much better this season, SI reported.
Alabama's 2025 Run Game Was a Historic Low
Finishing 125th in rushing yards per game is a stunning number for a program like Alabama. The Crimson Tide have long been known for dominant, physical running backs. In 2025, that identity was gone. The team struggled to move the ball on the ground consistently all season, according to Myrtle Beach Online.
The weak run game put extra pressure on the passing offense. When teams can stop the run, they can focus more defenders on pass coverage. That makes everything harder. Alabama's offense never found a reliable rhythm because defenses rarely had to respect the ground game.
EJ Crowell Headline a More Experienced Running Back Room
Alabama's biggest offseason addition at running back is EJ Crowell. He is ranked as the No. 1 running back in the entire Class of 2026, according to Sac Bee. Landing a recruit like Crowell signals that Alabama is serious about rebuilding the position from the ground up.
Crowell won't be alone. The running back room is also more experienced overall heading into 2026. Returning players who know the system should help ease the transition. A mix of proven veterans and a top-flight freshman gives Alabama more options than they had a year ago, Herald Sun reported.
New Starting Quarterback Adds Pressure to the Backfield
Alabama is also breaking in a new starting quarterback in 2026. That creates a tricky situation. A new QB often needs time to get comfortable. The running backs can help by taking pressure off him early in the season, according to Kentucky. A strong run game gives a young quarterback easier reads and more breathing room.
If the running backs can establish a consistent ground game, Alabama's offense could look very different from 2025. Play-action passes work better when defenses respect the run. The backfield has a real chance to change the identity of the entire offense, Mahoning Matters noted.
DeBoer Confident the Run Game Will Turn Around
Head coach Kalen DeBoer has spoken directly about the need to improve on the ground. He believes Alabama has the players and the scheme to run the ball much more effectively in 2026. DeBoer said better execution in the run game will help the team "achieve more goals and successes," according to BND.
The stakes are real. Alabama is expected to compete at a high level in the SEC every season. A bottom-25 rushing attack is not acceptable for a program with those expectations. If the running backs deliver, the Crimson Tide could quickly look like a contender again, The Olympian reported.
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