Alabama football faces heavily rebuilt East Carolina roster

Alabama prepares to host East Carolina in a matchup featuring an opponent that has undergone extensive personnel changes since the 2025 season. The Pirates enter the contest having lost 24 players to the transfer portal and both their offensive and defensive coordinators. Mitch Griffis is slated to start at quarterback for East Carolina, though head coach Blake Harrell indicated that transfer Emory Williams may also see playing time. Wide receiver Brock Spalding and linebacker DJ Johnson Jr. are the only returning starters from the previous campaign. Jordan Davis has been appointed as the new offensive coordinator, while Jordon Hankins joins the staff to oversee a defense that may move toward a 3-3-5 scheme.

• 1:31 PMYahoo Sports — Alabama Football 2026: East Carolina Preview