The Future of Alabama Football: An Exclusive Interview with Crimson Tide GM Courtney Morgan
As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepares to face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, the team’s general manager, Courtney Morgan, sat down with The Tuscaloosa News to discuss the future of Alabama football. With a top-five recruiting class and a new era of leadership under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Morgan shared his insights on what fans can expect from the Crimson Tide in 2026 and beyond.
Pressure to Perform
Morgan, a former Michigan offensive lineman, knows what it takes to succeed in major college football. Having worked at several top programs, including UCLA, San Jose State, and Washington, he understands the pressure that comes with being part of a powerhouse program like Alabama.
“The players here, I think they feel a little more pressure than anywhere I’ve been to win,” Morgan said. “I think the coaches, here, just everyone here… it’s a heavy weight on their shoulders. And I’m not saying that it’s negative. You shy away from it, but it’s a driving factor every day.”
Recruiting Class
One area where Morgan and the Crimson Tide staff have excelled is in recruiting. Alabama’s 2025 class is ranked among the top five in the nation, with several highly touted prospects set to join the team.
Morgan highlighted the recruitment of quarterback Keelon Russell, who committed to Alabama over SMU. “We don’t offer quarterbacks until we see him throw live,” Morgan explained. “So we met Keelon, started looking at Keelon like in March, April, and then sent coach (JaMarcus Shephard) and coach (Nick) Sheridan down to see him throw in May or April. They walked away like, ‘No-brainer.'”
Morgan praised Russell’s arm talent, leadership, and competitiveness, saying, “He’s as talented as anyone in the country… He’s a winner. He’s a leader. And he’s been around alphas. He’s an alpha.”
Future Outlook
As the Crimson Tide looks to the future, Morgan emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation through recruiting and player development. “We take pride in finding guys that weren’t rated by the sites high but we knew had talent,” he said.
With a strong recruiting class and a new coaching staff in place, Morgan is optimistic about the future of Alabama football. “I think we’re in a great spot,” he said. “I think we’ve got a great foundation. I think we’ve got a great staff. And I think we’ve got a great group of players.”
As the Crimson Tide prepares to take on Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Morgan’s message to fans is clear: “We’re excited about the future. We’re excited about where we’re headed. And we’re excited to get back to work in January and start building towards next season.”
