Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from Alabama After Bowl Game
After falling just shy of reaching the College Football Playoff, Alabama is officially headed into the offseason.
Kalen DeBoer's first year in Tuscaloosa was nowhere close to a disaster. However, a couple of bad road losses—at Vanderbilt and Oklahoma—plus a loss to rival Tennessee kept the Crimson Tide out of the CFP as the program began the post-Nick Saban era.
Bama ended the campaign with a 9-4 record, closing the season in the ReliaQuest Bowl with a 19-13 loss to Michigan.
And now, the road to the Playoff restarts.
Though the Tide have to replace a good number of contributors, there is another new wave of talent on the way.
Who's Staying
Leading Wide Receivers
As long as the allure of the NFL doesn't take Germie Bernard, the Crimson Tide should be optimistic about the receiving corps. Bernard, a transfer from Washington, and freshman star Ryan Williams both collected at least 45 receptions and 750 yards this season.
Experience on Offensive Line
Among the seven blockers who played significant snaps in 2024, six should be returning to Tuscaloosa. Likely starters are left tackle Kadyn Proctor, center Parker Brailsford and right guard Jaeden Roberts, while each of Wilkin Formby, Elijah Pritchett and Geno VanDeMark will be strong competitors for a first-string role.
Most of the Secondary
During the Saban era, Alabama basically always had a great secondary. The unit certainly won't be lacking talent in 2025 as Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown return at cornerback with Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard expected to start at safety.
Who's Leaving
Jalen Milroe, QB
Although he has another year of eligibility, Jalen Milroe could take advantage of what's perceived as a weak quarterback class and enter the 2025 NFL draft. Perhaps he won't be a first-round selection, but Milroe is going to attract plenty of interest as an efficient passer with elite mobility.
A Couple of All-Americans
While the Crimson Tide return a majority of the offensive line, they need to replace star guard Tyler Booker. Similarly, the secondary is largely intact but must handle the departure of the versatile Malachi Moore. Both of them landed second-team AP All-America recognition.
Outgoing Transfers
As usual, Bama is dealing with a large number of players moving elsewhere. There are, as of this writing, 17 players from the Tide in the portal. That group includes running back Justice Haynes, nickelback DeVonta Smith and a few other rotational contributors.
Who's on the Way
Reinforcements from the Portal
When players leave, that doubles as a chance for Alabama to bring in talent. Miami receiver Isaiah Horton is a high-upside target, and Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green is also an impact addition. Texas A&M guard Kam Dewberry should compete for a starting job, too.
Trio of 5-Stars
Alabama's prized prospect is quarterback Keelon Russell, the second-best prospect in the 2025 cycle. Additionally, the Tide signed offensive lineman Michael Carroll (16th overall) and cornerback Dijon Lee (19th) to headline yet another outstanding haul on the recruiting trail.
Nation's No. 2 Recruiting Class
Beyond those 5-star talents, Bama picked up 15 more blue-chip players. Offensive lineman Jackson Lloyd (45th), running back Akylin Dear (46th) and edge-rusher Justin Hill (54th) are otherwise Bama's top signees.