Oregon Transfer DL Terrance Green Talks Will Stein's Offense

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- New Alabama defensive tackle Terrance Green made his first start for the Crimson Tide last weekend, totaling one tackle, one tackle for loss, and a sack in the Tide's opening-week victory over the Eastern Carolina Pirates. Prior to being a bowling ball in the middle of the Crimson Tide's defense, Green helped anchor the center of Dan Lanning's defense at Oregon, where he faced new Kentucky head coach Will Stein every day in practice when Stein was the Ducks' offensive coordinator before his time in Lexington.

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"I feel like it helped me a lot. I kinda know what he wants to do," Green told reporters on Tuesday. "I know he's probably gonna change it up, but like I said, I was with Coach Stein for two or three years [at Oregon], so just going against great o-linemen, that'll help a lot.

"But also, going against our guys here, and Coach Roach is staying on me about my pad level, getting off blocks, so that's going to be big this week."

While familiarity with Stein's offense could be a benefit for Alabama's biggest (literally) defensive addition, his work with Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach should help him unlock what he wants to be as he enters his fourth season of college football, and first with the Tide.

"Like I said, pad level, being under the chute with Coach Roach every day, and then also the competition in the d-line room. Just keeping me better, making me want to come in here and work every day to get better to keep my spot, but not getting complacent, and working on my pad level and staying low."

Green also highlighted what Stein does well on offense, highlighting something Crimson Tide fans have become accustomed to after watching Ryan Grubb as the offensive coordinator last season: trick plays.

"Oh man, trick plays," Green said. "Running the ball, that's gonna be big, and I feel like confusing defenders, confusing the defense, making us move and think and communicate."

Alabama's run defense was porous at times last season, but has shown great potential early in 2026 after allowing just two rushing yards against the Pirates. As the level of competition rises when the Crimson Tide enters conference play, Alabama's defensive line will need to continue to rise to the occasion.

No. 12 Alabama (1-0) will face Kentucky (1-0) on Saturday, September 12, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

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_.