5 Alabama football players who are underrated entering 2026 season

Story by

Story by
5 Alabama football players who are underrated entering 2026 season

Matt Melton, Roll Tide Wire · Roll Tide Wire

Tue, Jun 9, 2026 ·

3 min read

Kevin Riley , Running Back, Redshirt Sophomore

Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kevin Riley (28) runs the ball during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Emerging with a breakout season last fall, let's not forget that Riley was one of the nation's top running back recruits coming out of high school, ranking No. 3 nationally in the 2024 cycle, per the 247Sports Composite . Riley enters the season among the most experienced names in Alabama's running back room, and could be a major impact player in 2026 for the Crimson Tide offense, especially after showing flashes of his potential a year ago.

Zavier Mincey, Defensive Back, Junior

Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Zavier Mincey's (12) intercepts a pass intended for Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6), but it is called back due to a penalty during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Mincey enters year three in the Alabama secondary as a player who is once again likely to be a rotational defensive back at either the safety or husky positions. Similar to Riley, Mincey was also a top recruit out of high school where he was considered a five-star prospect, per the 247Sports Composite rankings, and is certain to make an impact yet again in 2026, capable of coming at multiple different positions.

Steve Bolo Mboumoua, Defensive Line, Redshirt Sophomore

July 30, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Defensive line coach Freddie Roach instructs defensive lineman Steve Bolo Mboumoua on his hand position during the first practice session of the preseason for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

After seeing limited action a year ago during his first season in Tuscaloosa, don't be surprised if Mboumoua has a breakout campaign in 2026. The defensive lineman showcased flashes of his potential during limited action a year ago, and is certainly a name to watch for entering the fall, as a larger role along Alabama's front seems likely.

William Sanders, Offensive Line, Redshirt Sophomore

Despite missing time during spring due to an injury, don't be surprised if Sanders still ends up starting for Alabama in 2026. The redshirt sophomore saw action in all 15 games for the Crimson Tide a year ago primarily as a reserve, and seems likely to be a prominent name during fall camp to watch for at the offensive guard position.

Jeremiah Beaman, Defensive Line, Redshirt Sophomore

Lastly, Beaman was expected to play a significant role for the Crimson Tide a year ago prior to suffering a season-ending injury after the Florida State game, but with the defensive lineman now back to full health, a breakout season now appears likely in 2026. Don't be surprised if the former in-state standout becomes a household name for the Crimson Tide defense this fall.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion .