Alabama RB Questionable to Make Season Debut

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama running back AK Dear has yet to make his season debut for the Crimson Tide after suffering an injury during Alabama's first scrimmage of fall camp. However, On3's Pete Nakos reports that the Crimson Tide's expected breakout star is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Florida State Seminoles.

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Nakos reports that Dear is working back from an ankle injury he suffered during the Tide's first scrimmage of fall camp. Dear was having a breakout camp prior to his injury.

"AK Dear is a guy that was really swimming this spring and has shown some promise here lately. Normally, I don't talk about those younger guys too much, but just been proud of his progress; the last couple of days have been really good," Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said in early August during fall camp.

Dear is a former five-star running back from Quitman, Mississippi, who signed with the Crimson Tide in the 2025 recruiting class. As a freshman last season, he totaled 19 carries for 140 yards and three scores for the Crimson Tide. He was listed as questionable on last week's initial availability report, mandated by the SEC, for the Crimson Tide's SEC opener against the Kentucky Wildcats. He was ruled out on Friday night.

If Dear does return for the Tide's home bout against Florida State, he brings more experience and versatility to an Alabama run game that is still finding its footing in 2026. While Dear likely would not see a large role in his initial return to action, he was expected to be the Tide's RB1b alongside Daniel Hill prior to his injury.

No. 10 Alabama will host Florida State on Saturday, September 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.