In a significant move, former Tennessee running back Khalifa Keith, who transferred to Appalachian State, has committed to Alabama, as reported by On3's Hayes Fawcett. This decision adds an intriguing layer to Keith's journey and the Crimson Tide's strategy.
Keith's college football career started at Tennessee, where he played for two years. In his sophomore season, he showed promise with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in four games. However, his overall stats at Tennessee were modest, totaling 124 rushing yards and a touchdown. By redshirting that year, he strategically preserved two years of eligibility.
The Alabama Crimson Tide's running back situation is a fascinating narrative. After a challenging 2025 season, where their rushing offense ranked 15th in the SEC, the team is seeking a revamp. The addition of Keith is part of this effort, but it's not the only story.
Earlier, Alabama secured a commitment from NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers, a notable acquisition. However, Smothers later flipped his decision and chose Texas, leaving Alabama's running back search ongoing. And here's where it gets intriguing: Alabama also welcomes Ezavier Crowell, a five-star high school running back and the crown jewel of their 2026 recruiting class. Crowell is ranked 11th overall and second among running backs in the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Alabama's 2025 season ended with a trip to the SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance under Kalen DeBoer's leadership. Despite a strong start, they fell to Georgia in the SEC title game and later to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
And this is the part most fans will be eager to see: how Keith and Crowell's talents will be utilized in Alabama's running back corps. Will Keith's experience and preserved eligibility give him an edge? Or will Crowell's high school stardom shine brighter? The competition is sure to be fierce, and fans can't wait to see who emerges as the go-to backfield threat for the Crimson Tide.
