Alabama football targets 2026 turnaround with new offensive line coach

ESPN analysis identifies offensive line coach Adrian Klemm as the key factor for the Alabama Crimson Tide, which entered the preseason top‑25 at No. 16. Klemm, a former senior assistant at USC with NFL experience for the New England Patriots, was hired to address a run‑game that ranked near the bottom of the SEC last season (3.35 yards per carry, 104 rushing yards per game, 125th nationally).

Former quarterback Greg McElroy echoed the concerns, noting the need to improve the offensive line, settle the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, and revive the run game. He praised the defense, highlighting safety Bray Hubbard and cornerback Zabien Brown, but warned that without fixing the line and run game Alabama’s championship ceiling remains uncertain.