CWS Bracket Two Team Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide

Contrary to the national championship success that Alabama has traditionally enjoyed in college football and softball, the Crimson Tide baseball program has found itself in the national title conversation for the first time in nearly three decades.

Alabama has been one of the hottest teams in the country throughout the NCAA Tournament, breezing through both regional and super regional play with a perfect 5-0 record while outscoring opponents by a combined margin of 52-17. The Tide enter Omaha with an overall record of 42-19 and is playing with confidence and carrying momentum that few teams can match.

Offensively, Alabama is led by senior Brady Neal, who has put together an outstanding season at the plate. Neal enters the College World Series hitting .328 with 10 home runs while leading the team in both OPS (1.004) and RBIs (51). His ability to consistently drive in runs and get on base has made him one of the most important pieces of the Crimson Tide lineup.

Senior outfielder Bryce Fowler has also been a major contributor throughout the season. Fowler ranks second on the team behind Neal in both batting average (.322) and on-base percentage (.418), giving Alabama another reliable bat at the top of the order and helping provide stability throughout the lineup.

While Alabama features several key offensive contributors, the unquestioned star of the roster is junior infielder Justin Lebron. Entering the 2026 season, Lebron carried significant hype as a projected top-10 MLB Draft selection, and his production has largely lived up to those expectations. Although his batting average dipped slightly to .277 this season, Lebron has continued to impact games in a variety of ways. He has blasted 16 home runs while swiping 41 bases, showcasing a rare combination of power and speed. Defensively, he remains one of the premier shortstops in college baseball, making him a true five-tool player and one of the most dynamic talents remaining in Omaha.

On the mound, Alabama boasts a deep and talented pitching staff, beginning with impressive freshman right-hander Myles Upchurch. In 15 starts, Upchurch has posted a 3.57 ERA while striking out 77 batters and holding opposing hitters to a .198 batting average. Equipped with big-league velocity and advanced stuff for his age, Upchurch appears poised to become one of the SEC’s premier arms over the next couple of seasons.

Upchurch is joined in the rotation by a pair of quality starters in Zane Adams and Tyler Fay. Adams, a junior left-hander, relies heavily on a strong offspeed arsenal but can also mix in a fastball that typically sits around 92 mph and reaches as high as 96. His ability to change speeds and keep hitters off balance makes him an ideal second-game option for the Crimson Tide.

The ace of the staff, however, is redshirt junior Tyler Fay. Serving as Alabama’s Friday night starter throughout the 2026 season, Fay has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the country. He attacks hitters relentlessly with a fastball that routinely sits between 96-98 mph and can occasionally touch triple digits.

Earlier this season, Fay authored one of the more memorable performances in college baseball this season, throwing a no-hitter against Florida, striking out 13 batters in the process. He enters Omaha with 121 strikeouts on the season and possesses all the tools necessary to take control of a ballgame from the mound.

If Alabama hopes to advance, Fay’s command will be critical against the Oklahoma lineup awaiting the Tide on Saturday. While his elite velocity can overwhelm opposing hitters, fastballs of that caliber can leave the yard in a hurry if they aren’t located effectively. Expect Fay to get the starting nod in game one.

Alabama and Oklahoma will open play on the Bracket Two side of the Men’s College World Series on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN.