Every Alabama fan is aware of the core issue with the 2025 Crimson Tide offense. As such, head coach Kalen DeBoer is trying everything in his power to fix that problem, especially the gap at the running back position. On January 31, Alabama hosted App State RB Khalifa Keith on campus, but that’s no news compared to what came next. 

On the same day as the visit, Touchdown Alabama reported that Khalifa Keith committed to Kalen DeBoer’s program. Alabama added a 6’1, 235-pound back with SEC experience who fits a very specific need. He started his college career at Tennessee, transferred to Appalachian State, and now lands in Tuscaloosa. 

Keith’s career stats, a modest 129 rushing yards over three seasons at Tennessee and Appalachian State, make it clear this isn’t a move for a feature back, but rather a targeted acquisition to add a specific body type to the roster. As we all know, Alabama missed badly on NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers earlier this month. The No. 2 portal RB committed on January 5, then flipped to Texas six days later.

That one stung because Kalen DeBoer needed an immediate portal win at RB and didn’t get it. Steve Sarkisian did. So Alabama pivoted.

Khalifa Keith, who’ll be the oldest RB on the roster in 2026, presents Kalen DeBoer with another physical back to pair with Daniel Hill. Alabama is already stacking up its roster by bringing in 5-star Ezavier Crowell, who’s the No. 2 RB in the 2026 class. Also, AK Dear, the No. 2 RB in the 2025 class, will be returning after a redshirt year, while Jam Miller, Alabama’s most productive back, who averaged 45.82 rushing yards per game, will be back as well. 

This room isn’t short on talent. What it needs is reliable, downhill options who can survive tough SEC ball. Khalifa Keith doesn’t have to be the feature. He just has to be present in situations where Alabama lacked a physical back last season. The 2025 season laid bare the weaknesses in the Tide’s run game. 

Kalen DeBoer struggles with a poor running game

The extent of Alabama’s rushing struggles in 2025 is stark: the team ranked a dismal No. 118 nationally. They averaged just under 110 yards per game with a meager 3.4 yards-per-carry. Indiana brutally exposed its weakness in the CFP. The Hoosiers ran the ball with enough balance to stay ahead of the chains. Alabama didn’t. Ty Simpson was asked to solve a structural issue with throws alone. The result was a 38-3 loss in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal. 

During Senior Bowl week, Kalen DeBoer made sure fans knew he was trying to change that narrative. He fired O-line coach Chris Kapilovic and acknowledged that production up front wasn’t acceptable. He talked about mindset, execution, fundamentals, and a fresh start. Adrian Klemm is expected to replace Kapilovic, bringing NFL and USC experience into the room. 

Khalifa Keith’s addition doesn’t fix Alabama’s run game by itself. But it signals awareness. Kalen DeBoer is stacking options that fit playoff football, not just recruiting rankings. The pursuit of RBs is underway. If the offensive line improves, Keith might finally have a real junior season role.