Alabama football camp opened with clear stakes: the first full practices and two scrimmages will shape the Week 1 pecking order and set the tone for the Sept. 5 opener against East Carolina. Coaches and position groups used the initial week to refine depth charts, evaluate transfers and sort true position battles that will matter in August and September.
The first week included seven full practices as the team moved through work that should set up evaluation against live reps; reporting from Sports Illustrated lays out the early storylines that will matter once Alabama goes 11-on-11 at the first fall scrimmage on Aug. 12. Those early practices reinforced that several competitions are wide open while a transfer defender has already altered how staff plan to deploy fronts.
Key Takeaways
- The quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell remains even and likely will be decided by the two scrimmages rather than early practice reps.
- USC transfer Devan Thompkins has quickly become a starter-caliber piece because of his versatility at the Bandit and three-technique spots.
- The tight end room provides limited receiving production so far, with all scholarship tight ends combining for only 24 career catches in Crimson Tide uniforms.
- Three offensive-line spots appear locked while left guard is an active competition between William Sanders and Mal Waldrep Jr.
Alabama football camp quarterback competition and early pecking order
The most immediate roster question from Week 1 is the quarterback race.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb summed the week up plainly when he said, “It’s been an even battle.”
Neither Austin Mack nor Keelon Russell has created separation through practice, and that puts extra emphasis on the two upcoming scrimmages. Last season the staff waited until after the first scrimmage to name Ty Simpson the starter, and this fall the plan to evaluate in live-game settings appears likely to repeat that approach.
Devan Thompkins’ impact in the front
Transfer Devan Thompkins has been the single most-mentioned defender during spring and early camp conversations because of his size and movement. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack described Thompkins as a unique blend of length, power and athleticism that allows schematic creativity from both the Bandit and three-technique spots.
Thompkins totaled 31 tackles and three sacks at USC last season, and coaching staff and teammates have noted his ability to take on blocks, disengage and constrict the C-gap area. That versatility is already changing looks in practice and projects to be a starter role this season.
Tight end room and receiving limitations
The tight end group is tight-knit and viewed as a physical, supportive room, but the unit brings limited production to the passing game at present. All scholarship tight ends have combined for 24 career catches in a Crimson Tide uniform, with Kaleb Edwards leading that total with 11 catches for 150 yards last season.
Alabama added Oklahoma State transfer Josh Ford to the mix alongside returners Marshall Pritchett and Danny Lewis Jr. and coaches have highlighted the room’s chemistry and demanding drill work. Expect the staff to rely on those tight ends to supplement both the run game and intermediate passing concepts while the group grows into expanded receiving roles.
Offensive line battle and early locks
Three offensive-line spots appear settled after Week 1: Jackson Lloyd at left tackle, Racin Delgatty at center and Michael Carroll at right guard. That stability gives the staff room to evaluate the remaining open slots under game conditions.
Left guard is a clear competition between William Sanders and sophomore Mal Waldrep Jr. and Waldrep has drawn compliments for his offseason development despite appearing in just two games last season. Grubb noted Waldrep might be ahead of some expectations and praised his toughness, intelligence and physical play.
Right tackle is also unsettled, with transfers Jayvin James and Nick Brooks vying for playing time as the staff continues to sort matchups and depth for the opener.
Practice log and positional readiness
| Item | Verified detail |
|---|---|
| First fall practice | Held on Aug. 5 |
| First fall scrimmage | Scheduled for Aug. 12 |
| Full practices completed in Week 1 | Seven full practices |
| Tight end receiving experience | All scholarship tight ends have a combined 24 career catches while at Alabama |
| Noah Rogers availability | Out for a while after an injury sustained during A-Day |
How Week 1 developments affect Alabama’s SEC and CFP outlook
Week 1 of camp didn’t answer every roster question, but it framed the issues that will matter for SEC play and the College Football Playoff chase. The quarterback decision will influence offensive rhythm and passing structure against SEC defenses, and the timing of that choice — likely after live scrimmages — will shape early nonconference preparation.
Thompkins’ presence on the defensive front gives Alabama a physical option to slow interior running lanes and create matchup problems that can matter in league play. The offensive line clarity at three spots and the left-guard competition will also factor into run-game identity and depth through the meat of the SEC schedule.
