Alabama News

The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory at 6:37 a.m. on Tuesday in effect until 8 a.m. for Jackson County.

The weather service states to be ready for, “Visibility drops to 1/4 of a mile or less in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” comments the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service

When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.

If driving in fog becomes unavoidable, remember these safety tips:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If available, employ your fog lights.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Maintain safe gaps:

Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

Stay in your lane:

Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Zero visibility strategy:

In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

Limited parking options:

If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Zak Williams, the son of the late Robin Williams, took to social media Monday for what would have been the actor’s 74th birthday.

Zak Williams, 42, shared a photograph of his father in the 1987 movie “Good Morning Vietnam.”

“Today would have been my dad’s 74th birthday,” Zak Williams posted on Instagram.

“For me, grief isn’t linear. It loops and echoes. It softens, then crescendos. But alongside it lives a legacy, the kind built not from fame or recognition, but from generosity and relentless kindness.”

Robin Williams died by suicide in 2014.

Zak Williams wrote the actor “lived to make people feel seen. He gave permission to feel deeply and to laugh through the pain. In his absence, that mission continues.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

There’s no hiding the history of how good Auburn football is at producing dominant running backs.

Jarquez Hunter was the latest to etch his name onto that list after being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2025 NFL draft.

It’s very possible that multiple Tigers may join that list sooner rather than later. The Auburn backfield in 2025 season is poised to have the perfect blend of youth and experience.

“Damari Alston probably has not shown his full potential, and we probably haven’t given him credit for as good as he is,” Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said during SEC media days.

“You have somebody like Jarquez that’s in front of him, and one of the things that Jarquez had that was unique was his stamina, and he really could handle a lot of plays, which limited in a lot of games the touches that you’d see for Damari or Jeremiah Cobb last year. I’m really excited for them to get their shot.”

Here’s a preview of Auburn’s 2025 running back room.

Players

*Damari Alston— Senior

Jeremiah Cobb–Junior

Durell Robinson— Sophomore, UConn transfer

Alvin Henderson— Freshman

Omar Mabson— Freshman

Justin Jones— Senior, UAB transfer

Christian Burnette— Sophomore

Cole Gamble— Redshirt freshman

*Indicates projected starter

What to know

Alston is the most experienced player in this position group, splitting majority of his career reps with Hunter.

Totaling 681 career yards and four touchdowns with the Tigers, Alston will be looked as not only the likely starter to open the season, but one of the leaders of Auburn’s offense.

Cobb is expected to make the transition from primary returner to the backfield behind Alston. Last season, Cobb ranked third in the SEC averaging 23.6 return yards per attempt.

However, his 260 career rushing yards and two touchdowns has Freeze expecting a breakout season from the junior back.

“He’s (Cobb) super talented. Great long speed. I just don’t think he’s had enough touches to show what he can really do,” Freeze said.

Robinson rushed for 731 yards and eight touchdowns last season, helping lead UConn to an 8-4 record. With plans of being the third back in the rotation, Robinson will make his debut in fall camp after missing the spring period with an injury.

The freshmen options in Henderson and Mabson will also be key competitors as Auburn figures out their depth chart.

Henderson led the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns in his senior season at Elba. He finished with 3,620 yards and 62 touchdowns, earning Alabama Gatorade player of the year.

Mabson rushed for 1,382 yards and 28 touchdowns on 201 carries last season at Auburn high. He also caught 11 passes for 185 yards and three scores.

With the future of the offense being built around this running back duo, Freeze believes they will factor into the Auburn offense.

“Alvin has a bright, bright future and he might surprise us early on, and Omar,” Freeze added.

Jones and Burnette will have to work twice as hard during camp to see the field this fall.

Jones, a Bessemer native saw most of his time on Auburn’s special teams since transferring from UAB.

Burnette was a first-team Class 5A All-State player as an athlete back in 2023. He rushed for 1,205 yards and 16 TDs on 178 carries at Faith Academy.

After accepting a preferred walk-on opportunity at Auburn, Burnette saw his first game action against ULM last season.

“I think that room is solid. I don’t know that people would look at it and say it’s elite, but I don’t think there’s any way that would be a reason we don’t win football games,” Freeze said.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].

Tucked away in scenic downtown Opelika is a pinball arcade that’s offering its visitors of all ages, whether they’ve played pinball for decades or are trying it for the first time, a chance to have a little fun of the retro variety.

Rock ‘N Roll Pinball in Opelika opened in November of 2020. But for owner Ernie Rains, who is originally from California but moved to Alabama in 1986 while serving in the United States Air Force, it’s been in the works for much longer. While Rains was first introduced to pinball, like most people, when he was kid, the idea to someday have his own pinball machine came along later in life.

“When I was overseas with the Air Force, there was a captain in my squadron. And he had a pinball machine in his house and I was like, ‘Oh, this is so cool,’” said Rains, “and so that kind of planted the seed that maybe someday I would get one for my home…then, you know, when you get to be in your mid-60s, you start thinking about what you want to accomplish, what you want to have done before you kick the bucket. And so, one thing that I had on my list still was to have a pinball machine for the house.”

Rains bought his first pinball machine, a brand new Beatles game made by Stern Pinball, in 2018 and, after sharing videos of himself and friends playing it online, quickly became engaged in a pinball community with enthusiasts from all over the country. While he originally planned to simply have a pinball machine in his home, an invitation to visit a pinball arcade in Asheville, N.C., got him thinking bigger — and Rock ‘N Roll Pinball was on its way.

Related: ‘Let your nerd flag fly’: Gamers can eat, drink and be merry at this welcoming haven in Alabama

Today, Rock ‘N Roll Pinball has dozens of pinball games, which customers can pay $10 to play for an hour or $20 for the day. They range from that first Beatles game to games themed after “Attack From Mars,” “Jurassic Park,” KISS, Led Zeppelin, “The Mandalorian,” “Star Trek” and many more. While Rains said that “Jurassic Park” is often a favorite among customers, it’s the Aerosmith game that stands out as a personal favorite for him, though it has little to do with the band itself.

“The band Aerosmith, they have a pinball machine that of course plays their music, but I’m not a big Aerosmith fan,” said Rains. “I just love the way the machine plays. It slings a ball through the air into a toy chest, and once you accumulate three balls in the toy chest, it gives you the option of dumping them all out for what we call multi-ball, which you know if you can imagine. You’re normally just, you know, hitting one ball around, but now you’re hitting three or four or five or six, even. So, you know, if you’ve got six going all at once, your heart is just pumping. You know, it’s just going crazy. said Raines. It’s been my favorite for a long time.”

In addition to Rock ‘N Roll Pinball, Rains also opened The Jailhouse, which serves as a music and event venue attached to the arcade that offers live music, karaoke and more for customers 19 and up. While Rains said opening a lounge wasn’t part of his original plan, it has proved to be an exciting addition that offers Opelika another option for entertainment.

Ultimately, Rains said his favorite part of opening Rock ‘N Roll Pinball has been being able to see how a simple game has bridged relationships between different generations, making an afternoon at the arcade a popular pastime for families once again.

“An arcade like ours, and even the venue of The Jailhouse, we sell fun,” said Rains. “A lot of people will come here, and they’ll leave with nothing extra in their hands, but they’ll have had a fun experience, and I see this time and again. I’ll see grandparents bringing their grandkids in, and the grandkids are like, ‘Oh, okay, they want us to go in this place and there’s something called pinball.’ And then when they’re leaving, the kids are just thrilled, and it is the most wonderful thing to see. They’re leaving with big smiles on their faces, wanting to come back, and to see that joy that they have experienced? It’s my favorite thing to see.”

Rock ‘N Roll Pinball is located at 815 South Railroad Avenue in Opelika. It is open with varying hours Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit its website.

Leading up to the 2025 season, AL.com is highlighting the top high school football players in Alabama.

Our latest statewide list focuses on the best offensive linemen in 6A.

We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

If you are an Alabama high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the summer.

BEST OFFENSIVE LINEMEN, ALABAMA 6A

Christian Bennett, so., Clay-Chalkville

Bennett played for the Cougars as a freshman and picked up some Division I offers after the season. He’s a major building block at left tackle for the program for the next three years. “He is a long, athletic tackle, so it’s hard to beat him with speed,” Clay-Chalkville senior quarterback Aaron Frye said.

Eli Berry, jr., Helena

According to Huskies junior linebacker Jonathan Roberto, the two things that set Berry apart are his strength and his mindset. “If you beat him one play, he’s going to do everything he can to not lose the next,” Roberto said. Helena coach Richie Busby refers to Berry as the “anchor” of the team’s offensive line. “He makes those around him better,” Roberto added.

Kendarius Blair, sr., Parker

Thundering Herd senior running back Chancellor Sparks is thankful for this guy. “Kendarius is just nasty,” Sparks said. “He is that mean O-lineman you want blocking for you. And he is smart.” The 6-foot-4, 310-pound guard recently committed to Jacksonville State. He’ll try to help Parker win a second consecutive 6A state title in 2025.

Adam Brooks, sr., Chelsea

Brooks shows his intelligence on the football field and in the classroom — he has a 4.21 GPA. “Best center I have coached in my career,” Hornets coach Todd Cassity said. Cassity has been coaching for 28 years, so that’s high praise. Brooks, who has started since his sophomore season, has multiple Division III offers. “Others should be coming in,” Cassity said.

Jackson Bryant, sr., Spain Park

Jaguars coach Tim Vakakes praised Bryant for his work ethic. “He has developed himself into a good high school player,” Vakakes said. He works hard in school, too, with a 4.25 GPA. Bryant starts at center for Spain Park, which reached the 6A quarterfinals last season.

Nolan Carroll, sr., Hartselle

Carroll stood out for his run-blocking as a junior. “He has been the leader up front this offseason,” Tigers coach Bert Newton said.

Will Dixon, sr., Muscle Shoals

Trojans senior quarterback Kade Clemmons appreciates the role Dixon plays in making Clemmons’ job easier. “Will stands out for his pass protection,” Clemmons said. “After getting a taste of 6A football last year and performing very well, I believe he’s poised for an even stronger season. He’s gained valuable experience and continues to grow.”

Jaxon Elston, jr., Oxford

“Big Jax” played in multiple games for the Yellow Jackets last season as they marched to the 6A semifinals. Like classmate and linemate Bryson Sanderson, Elston (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) has an offer from Auburn.

Luke England, sr., Baldwin County

England always had the size — he’s a 6-foot-9, 315-pound tackle. Tigers coach Andrew Davis said England has put in the work and now has the game. “I’ve really been impressed with his leadership on the offensive line this offseason,” Baldwin County senior quarterback Hayden Coley said. “Not only has he made himself better, but he makes those around him better, too. You can always count on Luke to work hard.” England also has been a standout on the school’s fishing team.

Elijah Foreman, jr., Woodlawn

Foreman is a star on both sides of the ball for the Colonels. His specialty on offense is the pancake block — he led the team in that category last year. Woodlawn coach Clarence Williams is predicting an all-state junior season for Foreman, who has offers from Alabama A&M, Jacksonville State, Miles College, North Alabama and Tennessee-Martin.

Rocco Gray, sr., Mountain Brook

Gray received all-state honorable mention from the Alabama Sports Writers Association in 2024. He said his success “originates from my communication, knowledge of the offense, and the great teammates surrounding me.” Entering his third and final season as the Spartans’ starting center, Gray said his No. 1 objective is to provide strong leadership through his words and actions. “A main goal of mine that has been there since the final game of my sophomore year is to positively impact the people in the grades below me as much as the upperclassmen did for me,” he said. He mentioned seniors Pierson Avery, Henry Gimenez, Rob Schoenvogel and William Tabb as other strong players on Mountain Brook’s offensive line. “I am very excited to be playing beside them,” Gray said.

Pratt Johnsey, sr., Athens

Johnsey will be a third-year starter on the Golden Eagles’ offensive line — at center as a sophomore, at guard as a junior and at tackle as a senior. Athens coach Cody Gross calls Johnsey a “nasty” lineman. “One of the best offensive linemen we’ve had in my 10 years here,” Gross said. Johnsey is a 4.0 student.

JT Jones, sr., Clay-Chalkville

Jones can play any position on the offensive line. As a junior, he recorded 25 knockdowns and 13 pancake blocks and allowed only one sack. “We trust him with so much on the O-line, such as identifying fronts and defenses so that he and I can change protections,” Cougars senior quarterback Aaron Frye said. “JT is a chill person but a leader, so people fall behind him.”

Keller King, sr., Gulf Shores

Dolphins coach Mark Hudspeth pointed out that there would be no players on this list were it not for the players on this list. King led the way for a 2,000-yard rusher last season in Kolin Wilson, who signed with Mississippi State. He is the leader of Gulf Shores’ offensive line at center.

Jayden McCarroll, sr., Theodore

McCarroll, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, can play anywhere on the offensive line — center, guard or tackle. “He is one of those guys a running back like me is thankful to have,” Bobcats junior running back Kendrick Able Jr. said. “He is very patient and moves well for his size. He does more than block — he dominates. He is a game-changer.” McCarroll has several Division I offers, including from Alabama State, Jacksonville State, North Alabama and South Alabama. He’s just one of several standouts on Theodore’s offensive line, which also includes seniors Caedon Lollar and Gage Stephens, junior Finn Gipson and sophomore Grayson Morgan.

Cole Miller, sr., Spanish Fort

Miller is a returning starter who brings experience at the tackle position to the Toros’ front line. He also makes for a worthy adversary for the team’s standout defensive linemen to test themselves against in practice. “Those battles turn into fights sometimes, but it’s just a friendly teammate fight,” Spanish Fort junior defensive end Brandon Marinho said. “We’re all just getting better at the end of the day.”

William Murphy, sr., Pelham

His combination of size and experience makes Murphy the head man on the Panthers’ offensive line. “He has great work ethic and leadership,” Pelham coach Ross Newton said. Murphy played four of the five offensive line positions as a junior. “He’ll be on a college roster in 2026,” Panthers senior linebacker Joe Hampton promises.

Harris Penley, sr., Decatur

The Red Raiders have two standout running backs in juniors Isaiah Allen and Devin Haley, and Penley is one of the blockers responsible for creating the holes for them to do their thing. “Leader of our offensive line and our team,” Decatur coach John Ritter said. “Great kid and player.” Penley, who is entering his third season as a starter, received an offer from Texas-El Paso in January. He’s a 4.0 student and a star baseball player who batted .392 as a junior.

Tavaris Powell, jr., Clay-Chalkville

Powell has played guard and tackle, and Cougars senior quarterback Aaron Frye said Powell excels at both spots. “He rarely gives us sacks one-on-one,” Frye said. Powell has multiple Division I offers, including from East Tennessee State and Troy. “He is a very quiet person, but he will go to war for you, and that’s what we need,” Frye said.

Zamarion Price, jr., Brookwood

Panthers coach Chris Foster said Price will be the leader of the team’s offensive line. “Nasty” is the word Price uses to describe his game. “I feel like my strength is I’m very powerful when coming off the line,” he said. “I try to take my opponents to the ground.”

Hudson Reed, sr., Spain Park

Entering his third season as a starter, Reed has put on 20 pounds this offseason and is now 6-foot-5, 290. The left tackle has more than a dozen college offers, including from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Oregon and West Virginia. He received honorable mention all-region from the Birmingham News in 2024.

Bryson Sanderson, jr., Oxford

The Yellow Jackets reached the 6A semifinals last season, and Sanderson started every game for them at right guard. He recorded 43 pancake blocks as a sophomore. He’s the No. 11 prospect in 247Sports’ class of 2027 state rankings. Auburn, Kentucky, Mississippi and Mississippi State are among the college programs that have made him an offer.

Kameron Scarver, jr., Parker

Thundering Herd coach Frank Warren describes Scarver as a “big-time pass protector.” Parker senior running back Chancellor Sparks calls Scarver “a younger version of Kendarius (Blair),” Scarver’s linemate who last month committed to Jacksonville State. “Nasty and loves to pancake,” Sparks said. “Another O-lineman you want blocking for you.” Scarver has nine Division I offers, including from Memphis, Troy, Tulane and Wake Forest.

Jordan Smith, jr., Russell County

Smith’s junior season will be his second as a starter on the Warriors’ offensive line. “He’s grown and matured this offseason and is physically ready to have a great junior year,” Russell County coach Dillon Griggs said.

Sawyer Sullivan, jr., Pelham

Sullivan started as a sophomore, and Panthers coach Ross Newton said he has the size and talent to “put it all together and be a big-time college prospect.” He can play guard or tackle. “Hard to get around him,” Pelham senior linebacker Joe Hampton said. “If he gets both hands on you in the run game, you won’t be making the tackle.”

Demetrius Terrell, jr., Parker

On a state championship team filled with superstars at several positions, an argument could be made that it was a sophomore lineman who was the Thundering Herd’s most valuable player in 2024. Terrell was Parker’s highest-graded offensive lineman and received second-team all-state recognition by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He makes it three Parker linemen on this list. “I think we have the best O-line in the state this year,” Thundering Herd senior running back Chancellor Sparks said.

JB Trout, sr., Athens

This will be Trout’s second season as the Golden Eagles’ starting center. Athens coach Cody Gross calls him a “self-made player.” Trout is the first in his family to play football. “The epitome of a Golden Eagle — smart, tough, hardworking, disciplined, humble, competitive,” Gross said. “One of the strongest players on the team.”

Nick Witherspoon, sr., Central (Tuscaloosa)

Witherspoon is an interior offensive lineman with more than 20 college offers. He visited Tulane last month, but he’s just as interested in helping other players receive similar opportunities. “Nick is a team player, and he tries to get all the guys who aren’t getting recruited looked at,” Falcons senior defensive lineman Jackson Carlisle said. Carlisle goes against Witherspoon in practice and said he’s most impressed with Witherspoon’s hands — along with his attitude. “He is able to replace his hands extremely quickly, which makes it hard to beat him in pass rush,” Carlisle said. “He brings motivation to the team because even when he’s tired, he tries to lift guys up.”

James Wood, sr., Gadsden City

Wood is the Titans’ left tackle. He’s been playing for the varsity team since his freshman year — most of that time as a starter. “He’s not going to let too many people get by on his side,” Gadsden City senior quarterback Kai Franklin said. “He’s just one of those protectors that you need.”

Jayden Massey and Joshua Stewart, srs., Calera

Eagles coach Scott Rials feels good about his two building blocks on the offensive line. Massey, who has a 4.21 GPA, recorded more than 20 pancake blocks as a junior and allowed one sack all season. Rials said Massey has “great feet” and is the team’s offensive leader. Rials calls Stewart a “hard worker and a great teammate.”

Jacob Williams, sr., and Jude Wright, jr., Gardendale

The Rockets had 15 senior starters last year, so they’ll be a bit inexperienced on both sides of the ball. Gardendale coach Eric Firestone is counting on these two offensive line standouts to help lead the way as some younger players get up to speed early in the 2025 season.

Caleb Canty, jr., Ryan Gray, sr., and Brendon Walker, sr., McAdory

Canty, Gray and Walker are three of the leaders of a standout offensive line for the Yellowjackets. Gray said the unit is bonded by its drive to prove the doubters wrong. “We work well together because of our grind mentality and our work ethic,” Gray said. “We love feeding off the hate, so we all help each other out the best we can. It’s really five people as one.” Gray added that their similar personal aspirations provide further motivation and focus for the group. “We all want to play at the next level,” he said. “Because of that, we help each other out the best we can. If we make a mistake, we get together and fix it.”

Tommie Blythe, jr., King Green, jr., and Braiden Watkins, sr., Pike Road

The Patriots advanced to the 6A semifinals in 2024, and they’re set to return several standouts up front this season. Pike Road coach Granger Shook said these three will “spearhead” the offensive line. “All are great leaders for us,” Shook said. Blythe has an offer from Purdue. The Patriots’ offensive and defensive lines are getting an additional boost with the arrival of junior Vincent Savage from Greenville. Savage has an offer from West Alabama.

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit AL.com’s high school sports section throughout the season.

Alabama football has all kinds of obstacles that stand between them and entry into the College Football Playoff this season. The Crimson Tide’s rivals are among the hurdles.

First up will be Tennessee on Oct. 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Then, LSU comes to town on Nov. 8. Finally, Alabama will close the regular season with a game against Auburn on Nov. 29 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Which of those three games will be the toughest? With a little more than a month until the 2025 season starts, here’s a look at the threat each rival poses.

Tennessee: Home (Oct. 18)

The Vols have to replace some of their top talent from a season ago, such as running back Dylan Sampson as well as three defensive linemen. All of those players went somewhere between the first and fourth rounds of the NFL Draft.

It won’t be easy to replace Sampson, considering he provided much of Tennessee’s offensive production. The SEC offensive player of the year rushed for 22 touchdowns and 1,491 yards in 2024. It remains to be seen how well DeSean Bishop, transfer Star Thomas and company fare in replacing Sampson.

Tennessee might need its running game to be reliable considering the uncertainty at quarterback. The Vols lost Nico Iamaleava in a highly publicized departure at quarterback. Joey Aguilar was brought in from UCLA to compete in succeeding Iamaleava. The move had to be made, but Tennessee didn’t necessarily improve at quarterback.

Despite the losses on the defensive line, the Vols figure to still be solid up front. Bryson Eason should lead the group tasked with replacing James Pearce, Omari Thomas, Omarr Norman-Lott and Elijah Simmons.

LSU: Home (Nov. 8)

This is the year Brian Kelly must make a serious pursuit at a national championship. And he and his staff have been swinging big in trying to make that happen. The Tigers revamped their roster with the No. 1 transfer portal class in 2025, per 247Sports.

That’s in addition to returning key pieces such as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, receiver Aaron Anderson and linebacker Whit Weeks, among others. The return of Nussmeier is most significant of all. The son of the former Alabama offensive coordinator could end up being the best quarterback in the SEC this season.

There are question spots, though. Offensive line is one of the biggest. LSU lost four offensive linemen, all of whom went to the NFL. That’s no small loss at a position where continuity is of the utmost importance.

Auburn: Away (Nov. 29)

Can coach Hugh Freeze figure it out this season? The past two seasons have been underwhelming. Now, he must deliver or he could be out of a job.

He will rely on Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold at quarterback, who is also looking to revive his career. He beat Alabama in 2024, but Arnold was largely a disappointment in Norman a season ago. He will have a talented cast of receivers to whom he can throw, including Cam Coleman and Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton. Auburn might have the best receiving corps in the conference. The offensive line figures to be good, too. If the defense that returns six starters can take the next step, the Tigers could give some teams problems. But it all probably comes down to quarterback play.

The pick: LSU

There’s enough uncertainty surrounding Tennessee and Auburn to where it doesn’t make sense to label either Alabama’s biggest threat just yet. Of course, it’s never easy to go play in Jordan-Hare if you’re the Crimson Tide. But nonetheless, LSU could be an SEC and national-title contender. Auburn and Tennessee don’t yet look to be on that level.

Plus, LSU has a certainty at the most important position: quarterback. Neither Auburn or Tennessee have signal callers who are expected to be among the best in the conference or country.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

This is an opinion column.

The business of penning history’s first draft can get messy.

It can be like watching a game from the blimp — analyzing the moment-by-moment while searching for the broader context in real time.

Sometimes it’s a race to find the proper framing of the moment when, in reality, this is an ongoing conversation. It will ebb and flow. Lean one way this week, then another the next.

That’s especially true as we angle for the best way to explain this era of Alabama football. That zoomed-in view from Goodyear’s airship began Jan. 10 when Nick Saban retired and gained the new main character days later with the hiring of Kalen DeBoer.

Year 1 was a predictable recalibration in the least predictable places.

Yet it created just enough of a blip in the matrix to create an opportunity for DeBoer to stamp this program in his image in Year 2.

Though certainly not his plan, a four-loss opening salvo takes some of the argument away from anyone who’d claim DeBoer is squatting on Saban’s empire.

The drum beat of those airquotes dynasty years was interrupted by a stunning loss at Vanderbilt and an equally surprising no-show at a weakened Oklahoma.

Those failures overshadowed the highlight moments like the takedown of Georgia in primetime and the domination of LSU in their snakepit.

It sets the stage for the second season when the chaos of generational transition settles into a program built more in DeBoer’s image. Nobody can deny there were some real growing pains as the internal culture of the program shed the quasi-militarized Saban system for a more, perhaps, democratic version under DeBoer.

Behind the scenes, carry-over coaches, players and staff members had to figure out a whole new way to operate. Saban left deep roots in that football complex and there’s no overselling just how different the day-to-day operation is under DeBoer.

Not necessarily worse.

Just different.

And that generally takes at least a year to reseed and replant a field so tangled in perennials.

Now, DeBoer appears to have his coaching staff back to a comfort zone that made him so effective at Washington.

It feels less like he’s trying to plug holes and keep the ship afloat now and more like time to drop the sails and find a tailwind.

With all that said, DeBoer’s got the benefit of a roster core that still bears some Saban branding.

All three players they brought to Atlanta for last week’s SEC media days played for Saban.

That’s not shocking since veteran players tend to get those slots but the transfer era brought a handful of players who’ve never played a down in their team’s jersey to last week’s media circus.

Each of those three veterans — OL Kadyn Proctor, LB Deontae Lawson and DL Tim Keenan — wasn’t backing away from the pressure of keeping the flame lit as they carry that metaphorical torch into the second year of this transition.

“It’s always a pride thing,” said Keenan, now in his fifth year at Alabama, “People are going to say what they’re going to say, but when you come behind Coach Saban, there’s a big responsibility. And Coach DeBoer has done nothing but an amazing job.

“Of course you’re going to have some rebuilding and learning some new things — learning a whole new system, you’re going to have some ups and downs but Coach DeBoer has done a wonderful job getting us where we need to be.”

That’s at least the way things appear as Year 2 begins, but obviously, that can only be judged when the talking ends and the play begins.

Only then can the real drafts of history be penned.

But where others have failed in the pursuit of following legends, DeBoer has an opportunity to break the cycle.

The talent is there.

So is the stability.

Instead of playing defense and trying to fit old pegs into new holes, DeBoer and Co. have everything in place to go hunting.

Now he just needs to do it.

Because the judgment of history isn’t patient when the pieces are in place.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.

Support for President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda has declined noticeably in the six months since he took office, according to new polling.

The latest CBS News/YouGov survey revealed that more Americans now disapprove than approve of the president’s approach to immigration and deportations.

The slip in approval coincides with the Trump administration’s sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration, marked by a dramatic drop in southern border crossings, a surge in ICE arrests and a push to expand detention facilities.

“I have directed my entire Administration to put every resource possible behind this effort, and reverse the tide of Mass Destruction Migration that has turned once Idyllic Towns into scenes of Third World Dystopia,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in June.

Critics, on the other hand, have argued that Trump’s immigration agenda is excessively harsh, targeting nonviolent, longtime residents and threatening due process rights.

Here is a breakdown of the results.

Shift in public opinion

In the survey — which sampled 2,343 U.S. adults July 16-18 — a majority of respondents, 56%, said they disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration, while 44% said they approve. This marks a reversal from March, when 54% approved and 46% disapproved.

A similar shift took place on the subject of deportations.

A slim majority of respondents, 51%, said they oppose the administration’s program to deport illegal immigrants, while 49% said they favor it.

By comparison, in February, 59% of respondents favored the deportation program, while 41% opposed it.

Further, when asked who the government is prioritizing for removal, less than half, 44%, said dangerous criminals, while 56% said “people who aren’t dangerous criminals.”

These figures were reversed just last month, when 53% said the administration was focusing on deporting dangerous criminals and 47% said it was giving precedence to non-criminals.

Other findings

Most respondents, 64%, also said that the president’s policies are leading to a reduction in crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Twenty-eight percent said they’d resulted in no change, and 8% said they’d led to an increase in crossings.

A smaller majority, 52%, said the administration is attempting to deport “more people than you expected,” while 37% said the government is trying to remove “about what you expected.” A much smaller share, 11%, said it is trying to deport “fewer people than you expected.”

Additionally, 58% said they oppose the way the Trump administration is using detention centers, while 42% said they favored it, according to the poll, which has a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.

Further, nearly two-thirds, 64%, said Hispanic people are being subject to more deportation searches than others, while 30% said they are facing fewer searches and 5% said they were facing the same amount.

Among those who said Hispanic people are being subject to more searches, 78% said this is unfair, while 22% said it is fair.

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©2025 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The Alabama Securities Commission is investigating any possible impact for the state and its investors from what federal regulators called a Ponzi scheme in Georgia, an operation that donated to the campaigns of several Alabama political candidates.

“We have been in contact with authorities in Alabama and Georgia, and have received numerous requests for information regarding this matter,” ASC Director Amanda Senn said in a statement Monday.

“We have opened in inquiry into the matter and will ensure that the interests of the State of Alabama and its investors are protected.

“Further public comment by us at this time would be inappropriate.”

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, who serves as the state’s top election official, issued a statement Monday calling on the Alabama candidates to return the donations to a receiver appointed by the federal court in the federal case.

“I take allegations of financial fraud seriously, especially when that fraud bleeds into campaign finance,” Allen said.

“I encourage any Alabamians who have been involved to cooperate fully with law enforcement, including the SEC and our Alabama Securities Commission to ensure that the victims who have been misled may be made whole.”

At least two of the candidates who got money had already said they intended to do that.

Last week, the federal Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it filed charges against First Liberty Building & Loan, LLC and its founder and owner Edwin Brant Frost IV in connection with a Ponzi scheme that defrauded about 300 investors of at least $140 million.

The SEC said Brant’s operation, based in Newnan, Ga., told investors their money would be used for bridge loans to small businesses seeking Small Business Administration loans and promised returns of up to 18%.

“Since at least 2021, First Liberty operated as a Ponzi scheme by using new investor funds to make principal and interest payments to existing investors, according to the complaint,” the SEC said.

“The complaint further alleges that Frost misappropriated investor funds for personal use, including by using investor funds to make over $2.4 million in credit card payments, paying more than $335,000 to a rare coin dealer, and spending $230,000 on family vacations.”

Some of the money went to political candidates in Alabama.

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell and his political action committee, Alabama Christian Citizens, accepted $71,000 in campaign donations from the Frost family and their companies. Sorrell is running for secretary of state.

Sorrell said in a statement last week that he plans to return the donations so Frost’s investors can recoup some of what they lost.

“One of the individuals responsible for the scheme donated personally and through his company to dozens of conservative Republican campaigns and political action committees across the southeast, including mine, and I will return the contributions to a court-appointed receiver as soon as the process is available,” Sorrell said in a prepared statement first reported by Alabama Reflector.

Sorrell’s PAC also loaned First Liberty Building and Loan $29,000 in April 2024.

Before doing so, Sorrell requested an advisory opinion from the Alabama Ethics Commission on whether using campaign funds for such an investment violated the state’s Fair Campaign Practices Act.

The Ethics Commission said the FCPA did not prohibit the investment.

Other Alabama politicians who got campaign contributions from Brant or his entities included state Rep. Benjamin Harrison, R-Elkmont, who received $22,500, and Alabama State School Board member Allen Long, R-Florence, who took in $40,000.

Harrison told Alabama Reflector last week that he would return the money after learning about the alleged Ponzi scheme.

“I am committed to making sure I do everything in my power to support the victims of this financial tragedy,” he said.

Federal campaign records show Mo Brooks received $4,575 for his failed U.S. Senate campaign and Rep. Barry Moore received $3,300.

Have you ever come across a scene while traveling that is so stunning, you think it can’t possibly be real? Believe it or not, you don’t have to travel far to find such places. Alabama has a number of manmade and natural sites that can take your breath away or make you think you’ve stepped into a storybook. Let’s take a look at 11 of them.

Castles in Fairhope

Fairhope, a picturesque town in Baldwin County, is the location of two homes that look like they came straight from a fairytale. Sheldon Castle and Mosher Castle, located side by side on Oak Street, were built by artist Craig Sheldon and his son-in-law Dean Mosher. Sheldon’s descendants still live in part of his castle but rent a suite on Airbnb. A picturesque bridge leads visitors to Mosher Castle, which features its own small drawbridge. You can see the exterior of both homes from the street.

Dismals Canyon

Dismals Canyon is a privately owned, 85-acre nature conservancy near Phil Campbell, Ala. Dismals Canyon’s natural features, including waterfalls and massive moss-covered boulders, look like an ancient setting, so much so that the Discovery Channel filmed a segment of its documentary “When Dinosaurs Roamed America” in the canyon. If you visit at night, you will have the opportunity to see the glowing critters that cling to the sides of its boulders. Called Dismalites, they are the larvae stage of a unique insect “that emits a bright blue-green light to attract food, in the form of other flying insects,” according to DismalsCanyon.com. There is a fee to enter the canyon and to camp at the site.

White Cliffs of Epes

A natural phenomenon created the ethereal-looking White Cliffs of Epes. The rare white cliffs “are part of the Selma Chalk formations which were deposited at about the same time as England’s famous White Cliffs of Dover,” according to RuralSWalabama.org. Although there is no convenient access point to view this incredible natural setting, it can be seen from below the Gorga Memorial Bridge over the Tombigbee River. Tourism groups have been in discussions to create trails and better access to this unique feature of Alabama.

Oak Alley in Magnolia Springs

This tiny town in Baldwin County is popular with photographers. One of the most photographed scenes in the town, “Oak Alley,” looks like something from a storybook. The rows of aged live oaks form a gorgeous canopy over Oak Street. The rest of the town is picturesque, as well. It is also the only known town in America where mail is delivered by boat.

Underwater Forest

Early in 2013, divers discovered an ancient underwater forest off Alabama’s Gulf Coast, 60 feet beneath the water’s surface. Ben Raines wrote for AL.com: “The forest was apparently buried under a thick layer of sand for eons until it was uncovered by giant waves during Hurricane Katrina… Imagine a forest of giant trees, trees that rivaled the redwoods in California for size.” Researchers determined the cypress forest, which was exceptionally well preserved, was 50,000 to 80,000-years-old.

Film set town of Spectre

This is one place on the list that is truly “unreal,” in the sense that it was built as a temporary film set. Director Tim Burton built the fictional town of Spectre for the 2003 movie “Big Fish.” The crew constructed facades of numerous homes and buildings, including a church, some of which still stand on the island. Two fake trees from the film’s “Enchanted Forest” also still stand. If you fondly recall the scene in the movie “Big Fish” where a little girl throws Edward Bloom’s (Ewan McGregor) shoes over the line so he can’t leave, you can follow in his bare footsteps: That line is still strung across the town at Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook. There is an entry fee to visit the lake and campgrounds.

Noccalula Falls

Water from Black Creek makes a stunning 90-foot drop at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Ala. This is an another favorite of photographers, as well as painters. The park offers not only a view of the gorgeous waterfall but access to all kinds of other activities such as a kiddie train, a pioneer village that includes a covered bridge, gardens, playground, mini golf and more. The park charges an admission fee.

Bamboo Forest

In a section of a 26-acre area in Prattville called Wilderness Park, bamboo grows as much as 60 feet high and 6 inches in circumference. It was the first designated wilderness park in the country. In the 1940s, someone sent a packet of seeds to the owner of the property, who planted them. Before long the exotic plants covered a wide area of the property. The trees form a canopy overhead, making it a unique hiking spot.

Cahaba lilies in the Delta

Cahaba lilies, which grow only in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, are the jaw-dropping centerpiece of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta in May and June of each year. The gorgeous white flowers grow in massive bunches in the water, especially where Buxahatchee Creek becomes Lay Lake. People often take tours of the Delta to photograph the rare beauties.

Blue barn in Courtland

This charming blue barn located near downtown Courtland in Lawrence County looks more like a painting than a real place. We’re not sure who owns it, but it was pretty enough to include in this list.

Live Oak Cemetery in Selma

This, we think, is the most ethereal, Southern gothic setting in Alabama. The live oaks drip with long streamers of Spanish moss moving like spirits in the breeze. It is also the location of two statues of real people, one of the rarest forms of funerary art, including Maddie O. Keith and Elodie Todd Dawson, sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Two other famous burials there include the tomb of William Rufus King, who is the only Alabamian to serve as vice president of the United States, although he served only five weeks before dying of tuberculosis. Another is the grave of Benjamin Sterling Turner, the first African American U.S. Congressman from Alabama. The cemetery, founded in 1829, is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places.