The Alabama Crimson Tide has put up an impressive start to the 2026 season and has moved up to No. 6 in the AP Poll. As the schedule gets tougher, several players are going to have an important role in winning big games. Alabama has talent on both sides of the ball. But there are three players that Alabama fans are watching this season.
Quarterback Keelon Russell, wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, and running back Daniel Hill have put up a great season so far. Their performances this season could play a big role in Alabama’s chances of competing for the National Championship.
Top Alabama Players to Watch the Rest of the Season
1. Keelon Russell QB
Just a couple of weeks ago, Russell looked like a decent quarterback at best, but he has certainly stepped up. Making his second SEC start on the road was expected to be a difficult challenge, going against the No. 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The main focus of the game was the top quarterbacks facing off, Russell and Kamario Taylor. But in the end, Russell came out on top. Russell passed for 16 of 22 completions, 285 passing yards, and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 16 yards and one rushing touchdown.
After Alabama defeated the Bulldogs 56-23, Russell said, “It went amazing. We played dominant all four quarters. Still got a lot of stuff to pick up on, but we’re only gonna keep progressing as a team. Just want to thank the guys for going out here and balling today.”
Russell now enters Week 6 as a top Heisman candidate. So far this season, Russell has 1,414 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Alabama plays the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs at home this week, and Alabama is slightly favored as of Monday afternoon.
2. Ryan Coleman-Williams WR
Coleman-Williams, after the loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the playoffs last year, said: “We didn’t finish the way we wanted to and we have another opportunity this year. Any way that I could be what’s best for the team from that point forward, I wanted to be it.”
Coleman-Williams entered the 2026 season with momentum and the belief that he would do well this season. Now we’re six weeks in already, and he has 376 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Coleman-Williams is part of an elite duo with Lotzeir Brooks.
Alabama is facing Georgia this week, and one of the main players is going to be Coleman-Williams.
3. Daniel Hill RB
Hill is the top running back for the Crimson Tide. Hill is very impressive with his ability to cut around defenders, but his willingness to embrace contact with players may just be the coolest thing. We definitely know who Alabama would rely on if it is raining. They would probably not throw much, so then they would run Hill.
The offensive coordinator, Kevin Gandy, said, “They can go to him and always count on him.”
In the last game against Mississippi State, Hill only rushed for 22 yards and no touchdowns. Hill will have to be the main player that Alabama hands it off to vs. Georgia.
Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
