Every season, there is breakout talent in the SEC. Names that the average fan, or even the national media, aren’t highlighting throughout the offseason and in the weeks leading up to Week 1.
Those breakout talents are an annual theme for the Alabama Crimson Tide. There are always high-level athletes in that building. Even though Bama’s contender status is a bit of a question mark this season, those young talents are there.
Even though the Crimson Tide may not be considered an SEC championship favorite, they have five players with huge breakout potential in 2026, which could elevate them into contender status.
EJ Crowell, Running Back
Dec 5, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Jackson’s EJ Crowell (13) breaks away for one of his five touchdowns on a long run against Anniston at Protective Life Stadium in the AHSAA 4A State Championship game.
One facet that Alabama struggled with the most in 2025 was running the ball. The Crimson Tide ranked 125th nationally in rushing offense. The rushing attack has major reinforcements in the building this year, a five-star RB from Jackson, Alabama.
Crowell’s frame and physicality are what stick out. Standing 5’11 and weighing 221 pounds, Crowell is a downhill rusher with great long-distance speed and a knack for breaking tackles. Crowell ranked No. 1 at his position and in the state of Alabama, and ranked No. 18 nationally according to 247 Sports.
QB Reese, Linebacker
Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama linebacker QB Reese (36) is tackled after recovering a fumble by UL Monroe linebacker Daniel Knudsen. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Yes, his literal first name is QB. The 2025 production won’t stand out, with Reese only posting 4 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. The now-junior played mostly on special teams last season, but will have a bigger role this upcoming season.
Reese is a high-motor off-ball linebacker who loves B-lining towards opposing QBs and making physical tackles. 2025 linebackers such as Justin Jefferson, Deontae Lawson, and Nikhai Hill-Green all departed for the NFL. That opens the door for Reese to play a huge role in 2026.
Red Morgan, Defensive Back
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews (4) is grabbed by Alabama defensive back Red Morgan (16) during a college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Oct. 18, 2025.
Morgan is another rising upperclassman who got lots of run on special teams and defense last season and also started five of the last six games for the Crimson Tide.
Some of those final matchups were against elite teams like Georgia, Oklahoma, and Indiana, which shows how highly the Alabama coaching staff thinks of Morgan.
Versatility is what Morgan brings, playing the husky position for Alabama, which means a blend of corner, safety, and even some inside linebacker.
Morgan is also a breakout candidate because his opportunity is guaranteed to grow, with DaShawn Jones heading to the NFL.
Lotzeir Brooks, Wide Receiver
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks (17) catches a pass for a touchdown in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Of all the breakout candidates so far, Brooks has the most production on the field. In 2025, Brooks posted 32 catches for 441 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
Both touchdowns came in the College Football Playoff win on the road against an elite Oklahoma defense. Now with Germie Bernard departing for the NFL, Brooks will be a staple of Alabama’s pass game along with Ryan Coleman Williams.
Jeremiah Beaman, Defensive Lineman
Nov 9, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman walks out of the locker room to warm up before the game against LSU. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Only playing one game and having his season end in that game, the college football world will be introduced to Beaman this season. In his one start against Florida State, Beaman tore his ACL. Beaman also played in three games in 2024. The two tackles made in that season were in their bowl game loss against Michigan.
Beaman has all the physical tools to be a monster on the defensive line. Standing 6’4 and weighing over 300 pounds. There’s also familiarity between Beaman and Alabama, which will favor the defensive tackle in the rotation as he looks to finally introduce himself to the rest of the SEC.
