5 options for Alabama to have in the return game for 2026 season

Alabama fans miss the consistency of Will Reichard and James Burnip in the kicking game, but it also wants the return of having an electric return specialist.

Jaylen Waddle (2019) and Jameson Williams (2021) were the last two recent athletes in the return game that created excitement on special teams. Crimson Tide supporters knew something special was bound to happen when they had the football. It has been a lost aspect of the Tide’s ability to generate explosive plays, yet does it have playmakers to restore that creativity? Five options may be looked at in spring practice and fall camp for the upcoming season.

Ryan Williams, Wide Receiver

He has taken on a leadership role as Alabama’s No. 1 option at wide receiver, but Ryan Williams’ speed and playmaking capabilities would fit as a punt or kickoff returner.

DeVonta Smith (2020) and Jameson Williams were both primary receivers; however, both recorded at least one touchdown on special teams. Williams had two kick return scores in 2021, while Smith returned a punt for a touchdown versus Arkansas in his 2020 Heisman season. Ryan Williams knows he must become more consistent with catching passes; nevertheless, structuring multiple ways for him to stress defensive coaches would be a good reason to have him return kicks.

Lotzier Brooks, Wide Receiver

Lotzier Brooks stepped up in a major way during his freshman campaign.

The New Jersey native finished 2025 with 32 receptions for 441 yards (fourth on the team) and two touchdowns. He sparked Alabama’s 34-24 comeback victory over Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff with two scores.

The 5-foot-9, 191-pounder fielded 15 kickoffs last season, so it would give him a chance to build off his experience with more reps. Brooks brings next level speed that could create marquee moments as a returner.

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Defensive Back

He is continuing to earn back the team’s trust after an off-field incident led to an indefinite suspension in 2025, but Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is too talented to not have a role.

Kirkpatrick may have little time in the secondary, but returning punts could be an avenue for the Crimson Tide legacy to make a name for himself. His father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., was a star on special teams under Nick Saban before growing into a lockdown cornerback. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder has worked in 21 career games, primarily seeing action on special teams.

Kirkpatrick recorded nine tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup last year.

He put on a show against Louisiana-Monroe with four tackles, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble before exiting the game because of a targeting penalty. Kirkpatrick would be a very interesting option with the ball in his hands as a returner.

EJ Crowell, Running Back

EJ Crowell was a multi-sport athlete at Jackson (Ala.) High School, mastering football and track.

The electric five-star turned in crazy numbers in both sports, displaying the power, speed, vision, cutback ability, explosiveness, and balance. He has legitimate 4.3-40 speed that would greatly benefit Alabama on special teams.

Trent Richardson, Kenyan Drake, and Josh Jacobs are among former Tide running backs that contributed in the return game.

Drake’s most memorable moment at Alabama was his 95-yard kickoff return touchdown versus Clemson in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Jacobs posted a kick return score in 2018.

Special teams is a way for freshmen to make a lane for themselves, so Crowell makes sense here.

Zyan Gibson, Defensive Back

Zyan Gibson was a three-sport athlete at Gadsden (Ala.) City High School, playing football, basketball, and track.

The early enrollee was a three-time 100-meter dash qualifier in the state of Alabama, while garnering four-star rankings on the recruiting trail. Alabama is very deep in its defensive back room, so special teams would be the best way for Gibson to get on the field and make noise.