The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and the results once again underscore the immense talent pipeline running through the state of Alabama. The Crimson Tide continued their historic draft dominance with 10 total selections, while the Auburn Tigers celebrated a significant milestone under head coach Alex Golesh.
Alabama's Double-Digit Factory
For the seventh time in the last 10 years, Alabama saw at least 10 of its players drafted. The Tide also extended their incredible streak of having at least one first-round pick to 18 consecutive years.
- Round 1, Pick 12: Kadyn Proctor (OT) – Miami Dolphins
- Round 1, Pick 13: Ty Simpson (QB) – Los Angeles Rams
- Round 2, Pick 47: Germie Bernard (WR) – Pittsburgh Steelers
With seven more players taken in rounds 4 through 7—including standout EDGE LT Overton going to the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round—Kalen DeBoer's program proves that the NFL talent factory in Tuscaloosa remains fully operational. However, losing this much foundational talent, particularly in the trenches and under center, creates significant voids that Alabama must fill heading into the 2026 season.
Auburn Breaks the Drought
Down on the Plains, the narrative centered around a major breakthrough. Defensive end Keldric Faulk was selected 31st overall by the Tennessee Titans, becoming Auburn's first first-round pick since Derrick Brown and Noah Igbinoghene in 2020.
The Tigers had five players selected overall, an encouraging sign for a program undergoing a massive roster overhaul. EDGE Keyron Crawford (Round 3, Raiders) and offensive linemen Connor Lew (Round 4, Bengals) and Jeremiah Wright (Round 4, Saints) anchored a solid draft class for Auburn.
The Iron Bowl Lens: Impact on 2026
What does this mean for the greatest rivalry in college football? The 2026 Iron Bowl will feature significantly different casts on both sides of the ball. Alabama must replace its starting quarterback (Simpson) and a generational left tackle (Proctor), putting pressure on incoming transfers and young talent. Auburn, meanwhile, loses its two best pass rushers in Faulk and Crawford, meaning defensive coordinator DJ Durkin will need his new transfer portal additions to step up immediately to pressure whoever wins the Alabama quarterback job.