5 early candidates to breakout for Alabama football during 2025 season
The Alabama Crimson Tide has long been one of the premier programs in college football, consistently producing top-tier talent that not only thrives in the SEC but also makes a significant impact in the NFL. Heading into the 2025 season, expectations for Nick Saban’s squad are always high, and with new talent coming in and some returning players on the verge of stardom, Alabama will once again be a formidable force.
While there are always several big names to look out for, every year sees a few players who emerge from relative obscurity or under-the-radar roles to become key contributors to the team’s success. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, there are several young players who could make their mark and contribute to Alabama’s championship hopes.
Here are five early candidates who could break out for Alabama football during the 2025 season.
1. Jalen Hale – Wide Receiver
Class: Sophomore
Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
Hometown: Longview, Texas
Jalen Hale, a former five-star recruit, has been a highly anticipated prospect since he stepped onto Alabama’s campus. Known for his explosive speed, smooth route running, and ball-catching ability, Hale has the skill set to become one of the top wide receivers in the nation. His freshman season was solid but not spectacular, and now, heading into the 2025 season, he is primed to take the next step in his development.
The Alabama wide receiver room will likely look different heading into 2025, as several key contributors may be leaving for the NFL or graduation. This leaves a void at the position, and Hale has the perfect opportunity to step up and seize a starting role. His combination of size, speed, and agility gives him the potential to be a top target for Alabama’s quarterback—whether that’s returning starter Jalen Milroe or another contender under center.
With the offensive scheme designed to maximize the talents of playmakers like Hale, expect him to be a breakout star for Alabama in 2025. His ability to make contested catches, stretch the field vertically, and provide a dependable outlet for the quarterback will be crucial for Alabama’s offense to maintain its explosive nature.
Why He’s a Candidate to Break Out:
Hale’s elite physical attributes and high expectations from his recruiting class point to him taking the next step in 2025. With several wide receivers moving on from the program, Hale will have the opportunity to showcase his talents as the Tide’s top receiving option.
2. Jeremiah Alexander – Outside Linebacker/Edge Rusher
Class: Sophomore
Position: Outside Linebacker / Edge Rusher
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 230 lbs
Hometown: Thompson, Alabama
When you think of Alabama football, defensive dominance is one of the first things that comes to mind. Over the years, the Crimson Tide has produced numerous dominant defensive players who went on to have stellar careers in the NFL. Heading into 2025, Jeremiah Alexander, a highly regarded edge rusher, is primed to follow in their footsteps and potentially become the next big name for Alabama’s defense.
Alexander came into the program as a five-star recruit, hailing from nearby Thompson High School in Alabama. The local product was highly sought after due to his elite pass-rushing skills, athleticism, and ability to disrupt the pocket. His freshman year at Alabama was a solid learning experience, but he is poised for a much bigger role in 2025. With several key defensive players potentially leaving for the NFL, Alexander could step into a starting role and become a dominant force in Alabama’s pass rush.
The Tide’s defense is built around its ability to pressure the quarterback and generate negative plays. Alexander’s natural ability to get after the quarterback, combined with his quickness off the edge and high motor, will make him a key component of Alabama’s defense. He’s an explosive athlete capable of wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines.
Why He’s a Candidate to Break Out:
With Alabama’s defense likely undergoing some changes, Alexander’s combination of natural talent, high expectations, and ability to get after the quarterback should help him become a standout player in 2025. Expect his name to be called often as the season progresses.
3. Justice Haynes – Running Back
Class: Freshman
Position: Running Back
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 205 lbs
Hometown: Buford, Georgia
Alabama football has a rich history of producing elite running backs, from Derrick Henry to Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris. The running back position has always been a focal point of the Crimson Tide offense, and in 2025, Justice Haynes is primed to carry the torch.
Haynes, a highly touted four-star recruit out of Buford High School, is known for his impressive combination of vision, burst, and power. He’s the kind of back that excels both as a runner between the tackles and as a weapon in the passing game. His ability to change direction quickly, explode through the hole, and make defenders miss makes him a tough matchup for opposing defenses.
In 2025, Haynes will likely see significant playing time as a true freshman, especially if the running back room undergoes changes due to NFL departures. With Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams both likely to leave for the NFL or graduate, Haynes could immediately step in and fill a major role in Alabama’s backfield. The Tide’s running game has been one of the most consistent elements of their offense, and Haynes’ skill set fits perfectly into that tradition.
Why He’s a Candidate to Break Out:
Alabama’s offense is known for running the ball, and Haynes brings a complete skill set that will allow him to contribute early. His ability to make plays in both the running and passing game should get him plenty of opportunities as a true freshman.
4. Khyree Jackson – Cornerback
Class: Junior
Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 lbs
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
The cornerback position has been an area of excellence for Alabama football in recent years, with players like Patrick Surtain II, Trevon Diggs, and Eli Ricks excelling in Tuscaloosa before moving on to the NFL. The expectation is no different for Khyree Jackson, a talented cornerback who will be a critical piece of Alabama’s secondary in 2025.
Jackson, a former JUCO transfer, arrived at Alabama with a lot of hype, and while he has already shown flashes of brilliance, he is ready for an expanded role. The 6-foot-1 cornerback has the ideal size, length, and athleticism to cover top wide receivers in the SEC. In 2025, with the departure of Kool-Aid McKinstry (likely headed to the NFL), Jackson has a great opportunity to step in as a starter and become a leader in the secondary.
His ability to shut down wide receivers in one-on-one situations and play physical in run support will be invaluable for Alabama. Jackson has also shown growth in his ability to read the quarterback and react to the ball in the air, making him a potential ball hawk for the Tide in 2025.
Why He’s a Candidate to Break Out:
With more playing time expected in 2025, Jackson is primed to step into a key role in the secondary. His natural skills and ability to cover top-tier SEC receivers make him a breakout candidate.
5. Tyler Booker – Offensive Guard
Class: Sophomore
Position: Offensive Guard
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 320 lbs
Hometown: Brentwood, Tennessee
Alabama’s offensive line has been one of the best in college football over the years, and with Tyler Booker at offensive guard, the Crimson Tide’s line will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in 2025. A former five-star recruit, Booker showed promise as a freshman and is expected to become one of the leaders on the offensive line in the upcoming season.
Booker’s combination of size, strength, and quickness makes him a standout player on the interior line. He’s not only a powerful blocker but also a technician who excels at controlling defenders at the point of attack. With Alabama’s focus on establishing the run game, having a player like Booker on the line is essential for opening up running lanes and protecting the quarterback.
As a sophomore, Booker will likely become a starter on the interior line in 2025 and could quickly develop into one of the best offensive linemen in the nation. His ability to dominate in both the run and pass game will make him a key component of Alabama’s offensive success.
Why He’s a Candidate to Break Out:
Booker’s natural talent and high expectations coming out of high school make him a player to watch in 2025. With the Tide’s offensive line set to be a strength, Booker’s ability to anchor the interior will be crucial for Alabama’s offensive production.
