Last Call | Alabama Has a NEW Defensive Breakout Star? Jake Coker Reacts to Luke Mets’ Rise

Former Alabama quarterback Jake Coker and Mick Gillispie break down the latest surrounding Alabama Crimson Tide football as the 2026 college football season approaches — including a surprise defensive starter, a devastating injury, a major future scheduling change and one of the SEC’s best rivalries bringing back an incredible tradition. 🔥 Luke Mets is emerging as a player to watch for Alabama. The sophomore linebacker surprised his way into a starting role after an aggressive, physical training camp. Jake and Mick discuss what his rise could mean for the Crimson Tide defense and whether Alabama has found its next breakout contributor. 🐘 The guys also react to the heartbreaking news that defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman suffered a season-ending ACL injury, marking another major setback for the talented junior. Plus: Why is Alabama playing Louisiana Tech in Week Zero in 2029 — and could this become more common across college football? Alabama and Tennessee are bringing back the Crimson vs. Orange home-jersey matchup for the Third Saturday in October. The surprising origins of Alabama’s Crimson and White and Tennessee’s Orange and White. Jake and Mick remember country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton. The SEC’s tougher stance on players who have previously signed professional sports contracts and what it could mean for roster building. If you’re an Alabama Football, SEC Football or college football fan, hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to The Next Round for more Crimson Tide news, analysis, interviews and reaction throughout the 2026 season. #AlabamaFootball #RollTide #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #CrimsonTide #JakeCoker #TheNextRound SUBSCRIBE: @NextRoundLive - youtube.com/@nextroundlive @TNRClips - youtube.com/@TNRClips FOLLOW TNR ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zlofzLZht7dYxjNcBNpWN FOLLOW TNR ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-round/id1797862560 WEBSITE: https://nextroundlive.com/ MOBILE APP: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-next-round/id1580807480 SHOP THE NEXT ROUND STORE: https://nextround.store/ Like TNR on Facebook: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Twitter: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Instagram: / nextroundlive Follow everyone from the show on Twitter: Jim Dunaway: / jimdunaway Ryan Brown: / ryanbrownlive Lance Taylor: / thelancetaylor Scott Forester: / scottforestertv Tyler Johns: /TylerJohnsTNR Brooks Carter: /BrooksACarter Sponsor the show: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices