Ryan Grubb finalized another position battle on Monday as No. 13 Alabama gets ready for its season opener against East Carolina on Saturday afternoon.
The Crimson Tide offensive coordinator told reporters that William Sanders will be the starting left guard when the Bama offense trots onto the field in the noon ET (ABC) kickoff at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Grubb went a step further regarding Sanders, telling reporters that he’s been a “difference-maker” the past 7 or 8 practices.
Sanders beat out Mal Waldrep for the starting left guard job, and now the 6-foot-3, 315-pounder who was a 4-star in-state recruit out of Brookwood in the Class of 2024 will get a chance to reward Grubb for his faith in him.
With Sanders nailing down the left guard spot, it’s another step toward Alabama solidifying its front 5 for the season opener. Sanders joins high-profile transfer Racin Delgatty, who’ll start at center, along with Jackson Lloyd, who’s had the starting left tackle spot locked up for months now, and right guard Michael Carroll.
When Sanders was going through the recruiting process, he voiced a desire to play against the best of the best, which was a factor in him ultimately deciding to stay in-state and head to Tuscaloosa. Now, he’ll have that opportunity to play against the best after taking charge of the left guard battle in fall camp.
With Sanders nailing down a spot on the offensive line, it’s time for Alabama to go to work on the 2026 season. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about how many games the Crimson Tide will potentially win this season:
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
