Alabama Starts Spring Practice Today
Alabama starts spring practice today while hosting QB commit and 10+ Top 100 recruits, with several locking official visits. Bleacher Report's post-combine big board ranks Alabama QB Ty Simpson #26, while other top prospects include USC WR Makai Lemon #12, Ohio State LB Sonny Styles #6, and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza #3. Spring practices are kicking off nationwide with recruit visits and post-combine draft buzz heating up.
A major storyline this spring is the quarterback battle to replace NFL-bound Ty Simpson. The competition is primarily between Washington transfer Austin Mack and former five-star recruit Keelon Russell. Mack stepped in for an injured Simpson during the Crimson Tide's College Football Playoff loss to Indiana. The offensive line, a point of concern last season, is undergoing a significant overhaul. New offensive line coach Adrian Klemm has been hired to lead the unit. The group will feature many new faces, as the team looks to improve its run game and pass protection after a disappointing performance in those areas. On the recruiting front, Alabama is hosting numerous high-profile prospects throughout spring practice. The list includes top talents from the 2027 and 2028 classes, signaling the program's continued focus on attracting elite players. Several 2026 signees, including five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds and four-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan, have already been practicing with the team since the Rose Bowl preparations. The draft buzz surrounding prospects mentioned in the big board extends beyond Alabama's roster. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver, is coming off a season with 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles has been a consistent force, tallying 239 total tackles and 9 sacks over his four seasons with the Buckeyes.
