Alabama's 2026 Rushing Woes: Will Anyone Break 1,000 Yards?

Alabama's football team is seeking a return to strong rushing performance in the upcoming 2026 season. The Crimson Tide has not seen a player reach 1,000 rushing yards in a single season since Brian Robinson Jr. achieved this in 2021. The team finished the previous season ranked 125th nationally in rushing, averaging only 104 yards per game. Jam Miller was the leading rusher last season with 504 yards despite missing three games. This marks a significant dip from previous eras, such as Derrick Henry's 2,219-yard Heisman season in 2015.

Four players are identified as potential candidates to break the 1,000-yard mark in 2026: Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, AK Dear, and EJ Crowell. However, projections suggest that the offensive scheme under Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb may not facilitate an individual reaching this milestone in 2026. Improvement in the rushing game is considered crucial, though it will require a cohesive effort from the running backs, tight ends, and offensive line, especially as the team integrates a new quarterback.