Alabama's 2026 season is just around the corner, and the Crimson Tide is facing a crucial battle on special teams: the fight for the starting kicker and punter spots.
At kicker, Conor Talty returns to the team, having successfully converted all 48 of his extra-point tries in 2025. However, his performance on field goal attempts was less impressive, connecting on just 16 of 23 attempts – the second-worst in the SEC that year, only ahead of Texas A&M's Randy Bond and Jared Zirkel.
Coach Kalen DeBoer has acknowledged Talty's talent, describing him as "extremely talented" and praising his ability to make harder kicks when needed. However, DeBoer also emphasized the importance of consistency for Talty heading into the 2026 season.
The competition for the kicker spot is not limited to Talty, though. Alabama has also added Lorcan Quinn, a second-year kicker out of Marshall who boasts impressive credentials. Quinn earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors with 21 field goals on 26 tries, including four for more than 50 yards. DeBoer believes that both Talty and Quinn have the ability to get the job done.
The battle for the punter spot is also heating up, with three players vying for the role: Alex Asparuhov, Anderson Green, and North Alabama transfer Adam Watford. Watford, who arrived at North Alabama in 2022, had 32 punts of 50-plus yards in his three seasons with the team, earning the title of United Athletic Conference's Co-Specialist of the Year. DeBoer is impressed with the legs of his three options, saying he sees "legs that can get the job done."
Alabama's 2026 season opener against East Carolina is scheduled for September 5, and the competition for the kicker and punter spots will likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks. The team's performance on special teams will be crucial in determining their success this season, and Coach DeBoer will be keeping a close eye on the developments.
The Crimson Tide has a long history of producing talented kickers and punters, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this battle. As the season approaches, one thing is certain: the team's special teams will be put to the test, and the players involved will have to rise to the challenge if they want to help Alabama achieve its goals.
Source: Yahoo Sports