Alabama prepares to face East Carolina in season opener Saturday

Alabama opens its 2026 college football season on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT with a home game against East Carolina. The Crimson Tide enter the matchup as heavy favorites at the Tuscaloosa venue. Quarterback Keelon Russell is scheduled to make his first career start for the team after winning the position during the offseason. The coaching staff is expected to rotate several players, including freshmen such as Cederian Morgan, Xavier Griffin, Trae'shawn Brown, and EJ Crowell, if the game allows for significant substitutions. This contest also serves as an evaluation period for the Alabama offensive line, which returns only one starter following a difficult 2025 campaign on the ground. The unit faces an immediate challenge against an East Carolina defense that led the American Athletic Conference in rushing yards allowed last season.

• 12:55 PMYahoo Sports — 3 storylines for Alabama vs. East Carolina in Week 1 season opener