Alabama signed an elite 2026 recruiting class. The coaching staff put together a top-25-rated transfer class, but the pièce de résistance was the third-ranked high school class in the country.
One of the gems of that high school haul was 5-star running back EJ Crowell. The Jackson (Ala.) High standout was the top-rated running back in his class, and he’s expected to play a role for the Crimson Tide from Day 1.
On Thursday, ESPN named Crowell as the “top newcomer” for the Tide heading into the 2026 season. ESPN’s Billy Tucker wrote this on what to expect from the first-year Alabama runner:
Crowell is poised to make an immediate impact and become a foundational piece of Alabama’s rushing attack from Day 1. His sturdy build, exceptional contact balance, and ability to generate yards after contact are precisely what new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm needs to establish a physical identity. As an early enrollee this spring, Crowell gains a critical head start in understanding the offense’s run concepts and developing crucial pass protection skills — key to staying on the field for all three downs. While the rebuilt offensive line gels, expect Crowell to be heavily utilized as a punishing, change-of-pace back and a reliable short-yardage and goal-line threat. Given his elite high school production and mature profile, he has a clear path to earning a significant share of the carries and becoming the featured rusher Alabama needs for a rapid return to national championship contention in 2026.
Alabama returned to the College Football Playoff in 2025, but that was in spite of the run game. The Tide’s rushing attack was so despondent that a 269-yard effort against Eastern Illinois was trumpeted as an achievement worthy of recognition by the CFP selection committee.
Weeks later, Alabama managed 16 carries for a net of 3 yards lost in an SEC Championship Game beatdown by Georgia.
The Tide ended the year 126th nationally in rushing efficiency, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. Jam Miller, the team’s leading rusher (504 yards, 3 scores), walked out the door this offseason, opening up a battle for the starting job. Crowell could realistically win that battle.
“EJ has come in and done nothing but grind. Since arriving on campus, he’s worked day in and day out on improving himself in every way. He has gotten stronger and faster in just a few short months with our strength staff, and we look forward to seeing how that translates to success on the field,” coach Kalen DeBoer said, per ESPN.
“We’re excited about what he brings to our running back room, and he has shown a commitment to his craft, taking tips and coaching from both our staff and the older guys. We’re excited to watch his game continue to grow and know that he can make an impact for us in multiple areas of the game this fall.”
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
