Alabama Baseball Names Will Plattner as 2026 Team Captain

Plattner takes over leadership role from departed 2025 captain Kade Snell

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alabama baseball has named redshirt junior catcher Will Plattner as the team's captain for the 2026 season, replacing the departed 2025 captain Kade Snell. Plattner has been a natural leader on the team since arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2024, and his teammates have rallied around him as the new leader of the Crimson Tide program.

Why it matters

The Alabama baseball team lost significant talent from last season's squad, including the departure of team captain Kade Snell. Plattner's selection as the new captain is an important step in maintaining the program's leadership and culture as they look to build on their success from the previous year.

The details

Head coach Rob Vaughn named Plattner the new team captain at a ceremony in December, with players voting for the new leader in the weeks prior. Plattner has been praised by his teammates for his leadership both on and off the field, with fellow players Justin Osterhouse and Zane Adams highlighting his grit, work ethic, and ability to guide the team. While Plattner's on-field role is uncertain due to the Crimson Tide's depth at catcher, his selection as captain underscores his importance to the team's overall success.

  • Plattner was named Alabama's team captain in December 2025.
  • The Crimson Tide open their 2026 season on Friday against Washington State.

The players

Will Plattner

A redshirt junior catcher who has been named the new captain of the Alabama baseball team for the 2026 season.

Kade Snell

The 2025 team captain for Alabama baseball, whose departure created the leadership void that Plattner is now filling.

Rob Vaughn

The head coach of the Alabama baseball team, who selected Plattner as the new team captain.

Justin Osterhouse

A Purdue Fort-Wayne transfer who is a teammate and roommate of Plattner, and has praised his leadership abilities.

Zane Adams

A pitcher and teammate of Plattner's who is also a roommate, and has described Plattner as "exactly what we wanted" in a team captain.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's been absolutely awesome from day one for me, just because he's provided the leadership that I needed to come and do a new program and just kind of show me how they run things around here. He's been the guy that I've always asked questions. He's always been there for me.”

— Justin Osterhouse, Teammate (si.com)

“He's been great. He's exactly what we wanted out of it. He's just a great leader, and especially with his story and how we got to where he's at, like he's got some grit, like he's gritty, and we all love him.”

— Zane Adams, Teammate (si.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.