Alabama to Miss Freshman Standout Lotzier Brooks in SEC Clash Against South Carolina
The No. 4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide will be without one of their emerging offensive weapons when they travel to Columbia to face 3–4 South Carolina this weekend.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed that freshman wide receiver Lotzier Brooks has been ruled out for the game. The 5-foot-9, 191-pound wideout has quietly become a dependable target in a deep Alabama receiver room, recording 16 catches for 255 yards so far this season.
Brooks began the year buried on the depth chart but has since worked his way into a consistent role. His absence could open the door for redshirt freshman Rico Scott or true freshman Derek Meadows to step in as the Tide’s fourth receiver. Scott was expected to hold that spot early in the season before Brooks’ breakout performances.
Alabama’s receiver corps remains one of the nation’s strongest, led by Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Isaiah Horton — a trio that has fueled the Tide’s offensive resurgence.
At the center of Alabama’s success is Heisman Trophy contender Ty Simpson, who has thrown for 1,931 yards and 18 touchdowns with just one interception this season. Since a shocking 14-point season-opening loss to Florida State, Simpson has guided Alabama to four straight wins over ranked SEC opponents, propelling the team back into national title contention.
Now on a six-game winning streak, Alabama is one of only two teams — alongside Texas A&M — still undefeated in conference play. However, DeBoer has cautioned his team about overlooking a struggling South Carolina squad desperate to turn its season around.
The Gamecocks have dropped four of their last five and remain winless against ranked opponents this season, averaging just 12.3 points per game in those matchups.
Despite being heavy favorites, Alabama knows the dangers of complacency. Under DeBoer’s leadership, the Tide have stumbled in similar situations before — losing three games to unranked teams last season, a setback that ultimately kept them out of the College Football Playoff.
With championship hopes on the line, Alabama will need to stay sharp in Columbia — even without one of their promising young receivers.
