Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team took part in its annual A-Day scrimmage inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, giving fans and media a two-hour glimpse into the 2026 roster.
According to BamaOnLine’s Charlie Potter, several players stood out in a big way, raising their stock as the program transitions toward fall camp. From quarterback battles to emerging playmakers, these six names are trending up after A-Day.
Keelon Russell Making Strong Push for QB1
All eyes were on the quarterback competition, and Keelon Russell delivered one of the most impressive performances of the day.
The redshirt freshman split early reps with Austin Mack but eventually took control of key red-zone opportunities. Russell finished with 240 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
As Potter pointed out, this was the Tide fans’ largest sample size of Russell, and he did not disappoint.
Trae’shawn Brown Emerging as Hidden Gem at Running Back
Alabama’s emphasis on improving the run game in 2026 could benefit from the emergence of Trae’shawn Brown.
The true freshman, a late addition to the recruiting class, is quickly proving to be a potential steal. Brown displayed his versatility, combining for 10 total touches for 63 yards.
It’s hard to tell where Brown will end up on the depth chart this fall, but he has definitely given the coaches something to think about.
Derek Meadows Stepping Into Bigger Role at Wide Receiver
Alabama had several wide receivers step up this spring, but sophomore Derek Meadows really made an impact during A-Day.
The 6-foot-5 target led the team with 5 receptions and totaled 69 receiving yards and one touchdown.
With Noah Rogers suffering an injury during the scrimmage, Alabama will likely need someone to step up in his absence, and Meadows might be the guy.
Steve Mboumoua Becoming a Force on the Defensive Line
Few players look the part like Steve Mboumoua, and now his on-field production is catching up.
At 6-foot-4, 301 pounds, the JUCO transfer flashed his disruptive potential during A-Day. He rotated with the first-team defense and made multiple impactful plays, including blowing up pass protection in the backfield.
After a developmental year in the program, Mboumoua is trending toward becoming a key contributor on Alabama’s defensive front.
Justin Hill Leading a Talented Linebacker Group
Linebacker play was a strength during the scrimmage, and Justin Hill was right in the middle of it.
Hill recorded multiple plays behind the line of scrimmage, including tackles for loss against running back Kevin Riley. After posting 2.5 TFLs as a freshman, Hill looks poised for a breakout sophomore season.
Alongside Yhonzae Pierre and Desmond Umeozulu, Alabama appears to have one of the more formidable linebacker groups heading into 2026.
Lorcan Quinn Impresses in Kicking Competition
Oftentimes, kickers are forgotten about until they miss a costly kick, but Lorcan Quinn made sure that wasn’t the case on A-Day.
The Marshall transfer has been extremely impressive this spring and capped it off with a solid performance on Saturday, connecting on all 4 field goal attempts, including a pair of 47-yard attempts.
Meanwhile, Conor Talty, Alabama’s kicker in 2025, went 2-of-3, giving Quinn the clear edge in this performance. His consistency, even during pre-scrimmage warmups, combined with a powerful leg, makes him a strong contender for kicking duties this fall.
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