The Alabama wide receiver returned from knee and concussion injuries to score the game’s first touchdown, while quarterback Keelon Russell threw three touchdown passes in a key SEC road victory.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams made an immediate impact in his return from injury Saturday, November 7, 2026, scoring the game’s first touchdown as the Crimson Tide defeated LSU 31-13 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. The junior had missed two consecutive games while recovering from a knee injury and a concussion.
Coleman-Williams scored on a one-yard rushing play in the second quarter, helping Alabama take a 10-3 lead. His return provided another offensive option for quarterback Keelon Russell as the Crimson Tide improved to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in Southeastern Conference play.
The victory was Alabama’s second ranked road win of the season. The Crimson Tide entered the game ranked fifth in the College Football Playoff standings and ninth in the Associated Press poll, while LSU was ranked 15th by the AP.
Although Coleman-Williams supplied Alabama’s first touchdown, the Crimson Tide needed a strong finish to secure the victory. LSU briefly moved ahead in the third quarter before Alabama scored 21 unanswered points to take control.
Coleman-Williams Returns After Missing Two Games
Coleman-Williams had not played since Alabama’s October 10 loss to Georgia. During that game, he experienced problems with his right knee and later exited after taking a hit to the head.
The receiver subsequently missed Alabama’s games against Tennessee and Texas A&M. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee and continued recovering from a concussion before returning to practice.
His availability became clearer in the days leading up to the LSU game. The Southeastern Conference’s official availability report upgraded Coleman-Williams from questionable to probable, giving Alabama reason to expect his return.
The Associated Press reported before kickoff that Coleman-Williams had recorded 23 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns through six appearances this season. Those numbers made him one of Alabama’s most productive receivers despite his injury-related absence.
His return also gave Russell a familiar playmaker who could contribute as both a receiver and runner. Coleman-Williams had already demonstrated that versatility earlier in the season through rushing attempts and punt returns.
Alabama used that flexibility to create its first touchdown against LSU. The scoring play began with a deceptive backfield action that helped move the defense away from Coleman-Williams.
Russell took the snap and initially appeared to hand the ball to running back Daniel Hill. Instead, he delivered a short toss to Coleman-Williams, who moved across the formation and reached the end zone.
The one-yard touchdown completed an 11-play, 62-yard drive with 8:23 remaining in the second quarter. It gave Alabama a seven-point advantage after the teams had exchanged field goals in the opening period.
Coleman-Williams finished with two receptions for 14 yards and two rushing attempts for 10 yards, including the touchdown. He also remained involved in special teams, contributing a 32-yard punt return.
Receiver Wears Guardian Cap in First Game Back
Coleman-Williams attracted attention before kickoff when he appeared wearing a crimson Guardian Cap over his regular football helmet. The soft-shell covering was especially noticeable because he had recently recovered from a concussion.
The cap is designed to provide additional padding during collisions. It fits over a conventional football helmet and is used by some players during practices and games.
Coleman-Williams’ Guardian Cap matched Alabama’s helmet color and displayed his familiar No. 1. The equipment allowed him to maintain the team’s uniform appearance while adding a separate protective layer.
Reports from Alabama’s pregame warmups confirmed that the receiver was wearing the cap and no longer had a visible knee brace. Those details were notable after his injuries had kept him out of competition for several weeks.
Guardian Caps are intended to reduce some impact forces, but they cannot prevent every concussion or guarantee protection from head injuries. Medical clearance and concussion management remain separate considerations when a player returns to competition.
Alabama did not disclose whether Coleman-Williams would continue wearing the covering in future games. His appearance against LSU established that he was available to participate, although the team did not release detailed medical information about his recovery.
LSU Takes Third-Quarter Lead Before Alabama Responds
The game began with Alabama moving the ball effectively on its opening possession. Russell helped the Crimson Tide advance 50 yards before Conor Talty made a 43-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
LSU responded with a lengthy drive that ended in Scott Starzyk’s 23-yard field goal. The teams were tied 3-3 after the first quarter, with both defenses limiting opportunities near the goal line.
Coleman-Williams’ touchdown gave Alabama a 10-3 halftime lead. LSU had opportunities to score more points during the first half but failed to capitalize on several drives.
The Tigers opened the second half with another Starzyk field goal, this time from 41 yards. LSU then moved ahead 13-10 when running back Dilin Jones scored on a five-yard run with 2:44 remaining in the third quarter.
Alabama responded immediately with a five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Russell connected with Josh Ford on a seven-yard scoring pass, restoring the Crimson Tide’s advantage at 17-13 before the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter belonged to Alabama. Russell found Cederian Morgan for a 25-yard touchdown and later connected with Kaleb Edwards for a four-yard score.
Those touchdowns extended Alabama’s lead to 31-13 and prevented LSU from mounting another comeback. The Crimson Tide defense also repeatedly stopped the Tigers on fourth down.
Keelon Russell and Alabama Defense Secure Victory
Russell completed 17 of 24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. His performance helped Alabama overcome LSU’s substantial advantage in total yardage.
The Tigers gained 457 yards, compared with Alabama’s 285. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 35 of 48 passes for 380 yards but did not throw a touchdown.
LSU also produced 27 first downs, while Alabama recorded 13. Those figures showed how often the Tigers moved the ball without converting their opportunities into points.
The Crimson Tide’s defense was particularly effective in critical situations. Alabama held LSU to five successful third-down conversions in 14 attempts and stopped all four of the Tigers’ fourth-down attempts.
Several of those defensive stops came late in the game when LSU was attempting to regain momentum. The resulting changes of possession provided Alabama with opportunities to score from favorable field position.
LSU receiver Jackson Harris finished with 11 catches for 166 yards, while Trey’Dez Green added 10 receptions for 85 yards. The production demonstrated that LSU could move the ball through the air despite struggling to finish drives.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin acknowledged his team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Tigers also missed a long field goal attempt and struggled to convert important possessions into touchdowns.
The defeat dropped LSU to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in SEC play. It also continued Kiffin’s difficulties against Alabama, leaving him without a coaching victory over the Crimson Tide.
Alabama Prepares for Vanderbilt After Key SEC Win
Coleman-Williams’ return came at an important stage of Alabama’s schedule. The Crimson Tide entered November looking to strengthen its postseason position after losing twice earlier in the season.
Having another experienced receiver available gives Russell additional flexibility as Alabama prepares for its remaining conference games. Coleman-Williams can contribute through conventional pass routes, designed rushing plays and special teams.
His touchdown against LSU illustrated how Alabama can use him in different formations rather than relying exclusively on downfield passes. The successful play also showed the value of incorporating misdirection into the offense near the goal line.
The game marked a productive return for Coleman-Williams, although his workload was smaller than in some of his earlier appearances. Alabama will continue evaluating how to use him as the season progresses.
The Crimson Tide will travel to Nashville to face Vanderbilt on Saturday, November 14. LSU will return home to face Texas on the same date.
For Alabama, the victory provided another ranked win and kept the team competitive in the SEC and College Football Playoff picture. Coleman-Williams’ return added an important offensive contributor, while Russell and the defense delivered the decisive plays that secured the 31-13 result.
IMAGE: Alabama Crimson Tide wideout Ryan Williams makes a one-handed catch against Georgia in 2024. Photo: The University of Alabama / Wikimedia, taken 2024-09-30, CC BY 3.0