The Alabama Crimson Tide’s linebacker unit is under strain following the suspension of Keanu Koht, a redshirt junior and former four-star recruit. Head coach Kalen DeBoer announced the suspension during his weekly press conference but did not elaborate on the specific reasons or duration. Koht, who has appeared in seven games this season and tallied five tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery, did not travel with the team for their recent victory against LSU.
This news compounds Alabama’s challenges at the Wolf linebacker position. The team had already lost Que Robinson to a season-ending injury, leaving Qua Russaw as the starter and younger players like Yhonzae Pierre stepping into key roles. Alabama’s defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack, emphasized that the suspension has forced the team to lean on its depth as it prepares for upcoming games against Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn.
While Koht’s absence creates a hurdle for the Tide, their dominant performance against LSU—a 42-13 victory—showcases their resilience. As the team pushes towards the College Football Playoff, this suspension highlights the ongoing need for discipline and adaptability in maintaining their high standards.
Stay tuned for updates on Koht’s status and how Alabama adjusts its lineup moving forward.