Five Returning Players We're Watching at A-Day for Alabama Football

What returning players are we keeping an eye on for Alabama's annual A-Day scrimmage on Saturday afternoon?

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an Alabama football practice or game, with sharp, overlapping planes of crimson, white, and gray representing the dynamic action on the field.Alabama's annual A-Day spring game will provide a first look at the Crimson Tide's 2026 roster and key position battles.Fulton Today

Alabama's annual A-Day scrimmage is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 11, providing fans their first look at the 2026 rendition of the Crimson Tide's roster. While Alabama added 46 new faces to the roster from a season ago, several returning players are looking to increase their role with the Crimson Tide from last season, with the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell taking center stage. The article highlights five returning players to watch at A-Day: Keelon Russell (QB), Austin Mack (QB), Lotzeir Brooks (WR), Justin Hill (LB), and Ivan Taylor (DB).

Why it matters

A-Day is an important annual event for Alabama football, giving fans a preview of the upcoming season and allowing returning players to showcase their development. The quarterback competition between Mack and Russell is a key storyline, while other returning players like Brooks, Hill, and Taylor will look to carve out bigger roles on the team. Strong performances at A-Day could help solidify these players' positions heading into the fall.

The details

Keelon Russell, a redshirt freshman quarterback, is competing with Austin Mack, a redshirt junior, for the Crimson Tide's starting QB job. Russell has the tools to be a starter but needs to improve consistency, while Mack has more experience in the offense. Lotzeir Brooks, a sophomore wide receiver, is looking to build on a strong finish to last season and take on a bigger role with the departures of Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton. Sophomore linebacker Justin Hill could see increased snaps behind starter Yhonzae Pierre, while sophomore defensive back Ivan Taylor has impressed this spring and will look to earn more playing time in the secondary.

  • Alabama's annual A-Day scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
  • The scrimmage will last two hours and provide fans their first look at the 2026 Crimson Tide roster.

The players

Keelon Russell

A redshirt freshman quarterback competing with Austin Mack for the Crimson Tide's starting QB job. Russell has the tools to be a starter but needs to improve consistency.

Austin Mack

A redshirt junior quarterback who is the more experienced option in Alabama's QB competition. Mack has consistently led the offense but needs to improve throwing on the run.

Lotzeir Brooks

A sophomore wide receiver who made an impact late last season and is looking to take on a bigger role with the departures of Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton.

Justin Hill

A sophomore linebacker who could see increased snaps behind starter Yhonzae Pierre at the Wolf linebacker position.

Ivan Taylor

A sophomore defensive back who has impressed this spring and will look to earn more playing time in Alabama's secondary.

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What they’re saying

“He's a guy that keys into any little detail. When you see that from a young guy, it's really important.”

— Keon Sabb, Defensive Back

What’s next

The quarterback competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack will continue to be a focus heading into fall camp, with a potential starter not likely to be named until preseason practices.

The takeaway

Alabama's annual A-Day scrimmage will provide an early glimpse at the 2026 Crimson Tide roster, with several returning players looking to take on bigger roles this season. The quarterback battle and development of other key contributors like Brooks, Hill, and Taylor will be important storylines to monitor as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.