The countdown to kickoff for the Alabama Crimson Tide's Week 1 season opener vs. East Carolina is now days away.

A team Alabama has not faced since 1998, East Carolina comes to Tuscaloosa led by head coach Blake Harrell, who is entering his third season at the helm of the Pirates' program. Since taking over midseason in 2024, East Carolina owns a combined 14-5 record under Harrell with two bowl victories, but are now tasked with replacing a number of key players from a Pirates team that finished last season at 9-4 overall (6-2 American).

This season, the Pirates are likely expected to be among the American Conference's top teams, but will be doing so with an offense that features a number of new faces, most notably at quarterback.

Following are five East Carolina Pirates to know in particular ahead of Saturday's Week 1 showdown in Tuscaloosa.

Mitch Griffis, Quarterback

A sixth-year senior, Griffis takes over as East Carolina's starting quarterback in Week 1, beating out Miami transfer Emory Williams for the job in fall camp. Griffis, who has 30 games of collegiate experience dating back to 2020 at Wake Forest, transferred from Texas Tech during the offseason where he saw time in seven contests as a backup, completing 72.2% of passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns.

DJ Johnson Jr., Linebacker

Dec 27, 2025; Annapolis, MD, USA; East Carolina Pirates linebacker Ryheem Craig (5) and s linebacker DJ Johnson Jr. (11) celebrate after sacking Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel (not pictured) during the first quarter of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Johnson is East Carolina's top returning tackler from last season, ranking second for the Pirates a year ago with 60 total, 29 of which were solo. The fourth-year senior also had five TFL and 0.5 sacks a year ago, and has 89 tackles over his collegiate career at East Carolina from 2023-25.

Brock Spalding, Wide Receiver

Dec 27, 2025; Annapolis, MD, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Brock Spalding (10) runs after the catch as Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Javon McIntyre (7) defends during the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Spalding is East Carolina's top returning pass catcher in 2026 after hauling in 42 receptions for 554 yards and three touchdowns a year ago. The fifth-year senior has 51 career receptions for 655 yards and three touchdowns over his four previous seasons at East Carolina from 2022-25, a vast majority of which came a year ago.

Jasiyah Robinson, Defensive Line

Sep 25, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Army Black Knights quarterback Cale Hellums (3) runs with the ball past East Carolina Pirates defensive lineman Jasiyah Robinson (8) during the second half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The premier pass rusher along East Carolina's defensive front might be Robinson, a sixth-year senior who racked up 26 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and five sacks a year ago. Robinson has 39 career tackles, nine TFL, and 5.5 sacks across five seasons at East Carolina from 2021-25, with a majority of his collegiate production coming a year ago.

Ashton Gray, Running Back

The fifth name to know for East Carolina is Gray, a running back transfer from North Texas who enters his third year of college football. Gray appeared in 15 games the last two seasons at North Texas, rushing for 377 yards and five touchdowns on 58 attempts a year ago.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Transfer quarterback among Pirates to know vs. East Carolina in Week 1

Source: Yahoo Sports