Jackson Lloyd Evaluates Alabama's Offensive Line

Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- Through two weeks of the 2026 college football season, the Crimson Tide has seen much improved success in the run game compared to 2025. Alabama ran for over 200 yards in the season opener against East Carolina before hitting the road for an SEC game against Kentucky. After a slow start that saw the Crimson Tide rush for just five yards in the first half, Alabama ended the day with over 150 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

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"I think the offensive line, we played good," Lloyd told reporters on Tuesday morning. "I think we always got room to get better. Super proud of the guys. I know Mike [Carroll] was out; we had Will [Sanders] bump over to right guard. Mal [Waldrep] came and played left guard; I think they played great. They're always ready to play."

According to PFF, Waldrep and Sanders gave up just one combined pressure on quarterback Keelon Russell, with Waldrep giving up one sack. While the Kentucky defense brought down Russell four total times, the other three were attributed to tight ends in the blocking game.

"Everyone's preparing like they're a starter, because everyone's one play away from getting that starting job. I just love to see the way they come in every day and prepare like a starter and get the opportunity to shine."

Don't let Lloyd's praise for his teammates' work ethic blind you, though. Alabama's offensive line still has plenty to work on, and with no end goal in sight, the offensive line is simply focused on improving every week.

"We don't really have an end goal," Lloyd said. "We're gonna keep striving to be better. So, I mean, really no telling of that. I'm super proud of how far we've come, but it's gotta keep going.

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_.