Alabama’s got some real depth chart drama brewing in Tampa, and I’m not even talking about quarterback. Coach Kalen DeBoer’s got his hands full with two special teams battles up for grabs as the 2026 season opener against East Carolina looms, and one of them is shaping up to be a straight-up slugfest for the kicking job.
The Field Goal Firefight: Can a Transfer Take the Job?
First up, the kicking position. The Crimson Tide are bringing back Conor Talty, a guy who absolutely nailed every single one of his 48 extra-point tries last year. That’s money, no doubt. But then you look at his field goal attempts: he connected on just 16 of 23. Folks, that was the second-worst percentage in the entire SEC in 2025! He was 12 for 17 from 30 yards or more, which isn’t terrible, but inside the 30-yard line, he went just four for six. DeBoer called Talty “extremely talented” at SEC Media Days and said he made harder kicks when they needed them, but even the coach admitted Talty is “working on his consistency” for 2026. You know what that means.
And who is pushing him? Lorcan Quinn. This dude is a second-year kicker who transferred from Marshall, but get this: he was originally in the 2019 recruiting class and played five years of Gaelic football before ever signing with the Thundering Herd. Quinn was a beast, earning first-team All-Sun Belt honors with 21 field goals on 26 tries, including a whopping four kicks from over 50 yards out! DeBoer said Quinn has the distance and accuracy. The only question is if that success translates to the pressure cooker of SEC stadiums. DeBoer is keeping his cards close, saying, “Both of them, I feel, have that ability. We’ll have a guy that can get the job done.”
Punting Ponderings: A New Leg Takes Aim
It’s not just field goals that are seeing a competition, either. Punter is also wide open. Alabama has two returners, Alex Asparuhov and Anderson Green. Asparuhov appeared in one game as a freshman against Louisiana-Monroe, and Green saw action in two games. Not exactly a ton of experience there.
That’s where Adam Watford comes in. This guy transferred from North Alabama, and his resume is legit. In three seasons, Watford cranked out 32 punts that went for 50-plus yards! He was even named the United Athletic Conference’s Co-Specialist of the Year. DeBoer is confident, stating he sees “legs that can get the job done” among his options.
The Crimson Tide kick off their 2026 season against East Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. CT on ABC. Special teams can absolutely make or break a game, especially when you’re battling in the SEC. Who’s gonna step up and own those crucial moments? We’re about to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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