Ryan Grubb ends left tackle competition, announces Alabama’s starter for 2026
By Mark Kern
Published:
Ryan Grubb and the Alabama Crimson Tide are having to replace quarterback Ty Simpson from last year’s team, but another major issue entering the 2026 season is the loss of many key offensive lineman.
Michael Carroll is the only returning starter on the offensive line, and the other positions were expected to have some battles that could linger into the fall. However, Grubb said the battle for the left tackle spot is done, as he announced Jackson Lloyd will be the left tackle.
“He’s the guy,” Grubb said when asked about the left tackle position.
Lloyd was one of the top prospects in the class of 2025, as he was a 4-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was the No. 3 player in California, while being ranked the No. 7 offensive lineman and No. 45 player overall in the class.
Lloyd will be responsible for protecting the blind-side of the new Alabama quarterback. That position is also up for grabs, as Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are both looking to be first time starters for Alabama.
There are still a lot of question marks on offense that Grubb and coach Kalen DeBoer have to figure out, but having the left tackle position decided so early in the offseason is good news.
Here are the latest SEC Championship odds on Kalshi with Alabama among the favorites:
