2 Alabama Freshmen to Watch in 2026

Alabama signed the No. 6 recruiting class in 2026, highlighted by five-star prospects EJ Crowell (RB), Xavier Griffin (LB), and Jorden Edmonds (CB), with top-15 in-state prospects Cederian Morgan (WR), Zyan Gibson (CB), and Mhari Johnson (DL) also in the class.

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The SEC has no shortage of freshman talent, with freshmen players becoming household names early in their careers. It may be a five-star quarterback coming off the bench in a national championship, or a five-star wide receiver announcing his presence with a game-winning touchdown, or an edge rusher showcasing why he earned his rating with a sack in his first collegiate game. CBS Sports' Brad Crawford highlighted freshmen across the SEC to keep an eye on as early contributors this season, with two Crimson Tide freshmen atop his list.

EJ Crowell, Running Back (Jackson, Alabama)

It's no secret how good Jackson, Alabama, native EJ Crowell is. Alabama has stacked its running back room with five stars in back-to-back cycles in AK Dear and Crowell, but Crowell has the physical tools to be a do-it-all tailback for Kalen DeBoer in year three. A spring injury limited his reps in spring, but fall camp should provide him with valuable reps to eat into the carries as the season wears on. "Alabama won't ask Crowell to carry the offense from Day 1, but he should be a breakout player for the Crimson Tide early," Crawford wrote.

Cederian Morgan, WR (Alexander City, Alabama)

Alabama lost two of its top three receivers last season, with Germie Bernard declaring for the NFL and Isaiah Horton entering the transfer portal, but it did return Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks from last season. With the injury to Noah Rogers keeping the NC State transfer sidelined for the first half of the season, Morgan arrived in Tuscaloosa with size, ball skills, and physicality to contribute early for the Crimson Tide. He doesn't need to develop physically and fits the archetype that Alabama's coaching staff wants in a wide receiver. "Fall camp development is key to Morgan cracking the two-deep," Crawford wrote.

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_.