Another edition of the historic rivalry between Tennessee football and Alabama is in store for the 2026 season. This time, the game returns to Knoxville, where the Vols are looking to win a third-straight at home over the Crimson Tide.
With fall camp around the corner, I spoke with Matt Stahl of AL.com to get the inside scoop on where Alabama is at this summer.
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Here’s what he said.
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Heading into year three under Kalen DeBoer, what’s the feeling around the program?
I think the way Alabama lost to Indiana really hurt from a public relations standpoint. That one really stuck with fans throughout the offseason. There’s been a lot of complaining about the state of college football and whatnot, but I think DeBoer can still turn it around. If UA gets hot to start the season, folks will chill out a bit.
Where does the QB battle in Tuscaloosa currently stand?
Still a battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Obviously Mack has lots of experienced in the system, having followed DeBoer and Ryan Grubb from Washington, but Russell seems like has more raw talent. Honestly, it might come down to the offensive line situation. Russell is more mobile, so if there’s a lack of blocking, that would become a huge advantage in the competition.
What does the offense around the QB project to look like? What are the expectations for Ryan Coleman-Williams this year?
Everyone really wants to see the run game improve. The new-look offensive line will have a lot to do with that, but the SEC championship game performance, where Alabama ran for negative yardage, just can’t happen. Lotzeir Brooks could be in for a huge season at wide receiver, especially with Noah Rogers out for a while after he was injured in the spring game. For Ryan, I think most people are just wanting to see some positive signs. If he can start holding onto the ball, he’ll be fine. He’s put on some weight this offseason and seems healthier than he’s been in some time.
How does the defense stack up this year? Where do you think the biggest strengths and weaknesses are?
I think the defensive backfield might be one of the best in the SEC, if not the country. Bray Hubbard could have left for the draft, but came back at safety, same deal with Keon Sabb. At corner, Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee are both back, so that whole group is a strength. The defensive front is the biggest question, a lot of new faces there but Yhonzae Pierre could have a monster year. Alabama is replacing all of its inside linebackers, so that could be an issue, but I think coaches feel good about Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson.
Any early predictions for the game, or is it still too early to tell?
I think it’s still too early to tell, given that I’m not super familiar with what’s going on in Knoxville right now, and because there’s just so many questions about Alabama on both sides of the ball.
