Keep an eye on this Alabama receiver in 2025, says former captain

In the world of college football, few programs have had the sustained success and dominance that Alabama Crimson Tide has enjoyed over the last two decades. Under Nick Saban, Alabama has become synonymous with powerhouse football, consistently producing top-tier talent at nearly every position. From offensive linemen to quarterbacks, and running backs to defensive stars, Alabama has been a breeding ground for future NFL talent.

One of the areas that Alabama football has continuously excelled in is wide receiver development. From Julio Jones to Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley to Jerry Jeudy, Alabama has seen a long line of elite pass-catchers make their mark on the college game and, later, the NFL. With the 2025 season on the horizon, one receiver in particular has caught the attention of both fans and former players alike. Ja’Corey Brooks, a rising star on Alabama’s roster, is a name that’s being mentioned more and more frequently as someone who could be poised for a breakout year.

As we approach the 2025 season, former Alabama captain Will Anderson Jr., one of the most dominant players in recent memory, has highlighted Brooks as someone to keep an eye on. Anderson, who recently made the leap to the NFL after an illustrious career with the Crimson Tide, spoke highly of Brooks in interviews leading up to the new season, noting his work ethic, natural ability, and potential for greatness.

This article takes an in-depth look at Ja’Corey Brooks’s journey to this point, his potential for the 2025 season, and why he’s becoming one of the most exciting players to watch for Alabama fans moving forward.

Ja’Corey Brooks: The Rise of a Star

Ja’Corey Brooks arrived at Alabama as part of the 2021 recruiting class, one of the top wide receivers in the nation. Hailing from Miami, Florida, Brooks had all the physical tools to excel in the SEC: elite speed, size, and a natural ability to separate from defenders. As a recruit, he was a four-star prospect and a major coup for Saban, who consistently lands some of the nation’s best talent.

Brooks’s early years at Alabama were filled with promise. Despite being part of a wide receiver room that included future NFL stars like Jameson Williams and John Metchie III, Brooks quickly made an impact. His freshman year, while overshadowed by the accomplishments of his more seasoned teammates, was a learning experience that allowed him to showcase flashes of brilliance.

One of his most notable early career moments came in the 2021 SEC Championship game, where Brooks made a crucial touchdown grab. That moment not only displayed his potential but also hinted at what was to come in future seasons. While his production was somewhat limited in his first two years, the flashes of his talent were undeniable. Brooks had the size, speed, and route-running ability to become the next star wide receiver at Alabama.

Brooks’ Development Under Nick Saban and the Coaching Staff

The development of Alabama’s wide receivers has always been a key focus under Nick Saban’s program, and Brooks is no exception. Charlie Strong, the former Florida head coach who has taken over as the wide receivers coach at Alabama, has worked closely with Brooks to refine his skills and elevate his game to the next level.

One of the aspects of Brooks’s game that has shown considerable improvement since his arrival at Alabama is his route-running. When he first arrived on campus, Brooks was known for his raw physical ability and deep-ball skills, but over time, he has honed his ability to run a full route tree. This has been one of the most significant areas of development for Brooks, and it’s something that will serve him well in 2025.

Brooks’s ability to separate from defenders with his combination of size and speed has made him a dangerous deep threat. However, Saban and Strong have emphasized the importance of creating separation in short and intermediate routes, a vital skill that will be critical for success in the SEC. With this refined route-running ability, Brooks has the potential to be a more complete receiver—capable of contributing not just on deep balls, but on quick slants, fades, and crossing routes as well.

Why Ja’Corey Brooks is Poised for a Breakout Season in 2025

The 2025 season could be the one where Ja’Corey Brooks truly breaks out and cements himself as one of the top wide receivers in college football. The combination of his development, natural talent, and the offensive system at Alabama makes him a prime candidate for a significant leap. Let’s break down the key reasons why Brooks could explode onto the national stage in 2025.

1. The Departure of Key Players

One of the most significant factors in Brooks’s potential breakout is the departure of some key players from Alabama’s receiving corps. With Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond leaving after the 2024 season, Brooks will be one of the main veterans left in the wide receiver room. The absence of these experienced players opens up more opportunities for Brooks to step into a larger role.

In addition, the departure of these players creates a void in the offense that will need to be filled. Brooks has already shown he has the skills to be the focal point of an offense, and now, with a more prominent position in the rotation, he’ll have every chance to emerge as the number one wide receiver for Alabama.

2. The Arrival of a New Quarterback

Alabama’s quarterback situation has been in flux since the departure of Bryce Young to the NFL. With the new quarterback stepping into the starting role in 2025, whether it’s Ty Simpson, Jalen Milroe, or a newcomer, Brooks will likely build a strong rapport with whoever takes the reins.

A new quarterback presents both challenges and opportunities, but for Brooks, it could be a chance to solidify himself as the go-to target. Quarterbacks often form strong connections with their most reliable wide receivers, and with Brooks’s combination of size, speed, and ability to make plays, he could become the go-to receiver for Alabama’s next signal-caller.

3. Alabama’s Offensive Scheme Under Kalen DeBoer

With Kalen DeBoer taking over as the offensive coordinator for Alabama in 2025, the offense is expected to shift toward a more dynamic, up-tempo, and spread-oriented system. DeBoer is known for designing offenses that cater to the strengths of his players, and with Brooks’s natural abilities, he could be a prime beneficiary of the new system.

DeBoer’s offenses typically feature a lot of quick-hitting passes, RPOs (run-pass options), and downfield shots, all of which play to Brooks’s strengths. With DeBoer’s guidance, Brooks could see a surge in both his production and his role within the offense. The move to a more wide-open offensive approach is likely to benefit Brooks, as he can showcase his deep-speed while also developing into a more complete receiver.

4. Leadership and Experience

Brooks’s experience in the Alabama program also plays a critical role in his potential breakout. By 2025, Brooks will have seen several seasons of SEC football and faced some of the most challenging defenses in the country. This experience will serve him well as he steps into a leadership role on the offense.

As one of the veteran members of the wide receiver corps, Brooks will be expected not just to perform, but to mentor younger players who are stepping into larger roles. His leadership will be vital in helping to develop the next generation of Alabama wide receivers while also ensuring that he stays focused on his own growth as a player.

5. A Strong Supporting Cast

While Brooks will likely be the focal point of Alabama’s passing game, he won’t be the only weapon at the disposal of the offense. Players like Kendrick Law, Shazz Preston, and Cole Adams will also be contributors, and the competition in the receiver room can only help elevate Brooks’s game. A strong supporting cast allows Brooks to get favorable matchups and avoid being double-teamed, which increases his opportunities to make plays.

With an offensive line that continues to be one of the best in the country and a talented running back corps that will demand respect from defenses, Brooks will have the chance to thrive in a more balanced and versatile offense.

Will Ja’Corey Brooks Live Up to the Hype?

With the 2025 season fast approaching, Ja’Corey Brooks has all the tools to step into the limelight and become one of the top wide receivers in the nation. He has the size, speed, and skill set to dominate in the SEC, and with the right development and opportunities, there’s no reason why he can’t follow in the footsteps of previous Alabama legends.

His combination of athleticism, experience, and leadership make him a dangerous weapon in Kalen DeBoer’s offense, and as the 2025 season progresses, it will be exciting to see just how far he can take his game. With Will Anderson Jr. and others backing his development, Alabama fans have every reason to believe that Brooks could be the next star wide receiver to come out of the program.

For Alabama, the 2025 season is about more than just replacing key players—it’s about finding new stars who can carry the torch forward. Ja’Corey Brooks looks set to be one of those stars. Whether he can live up to the hype and become the game-changing receiver that Alabama needs remains to be seen, but if the pieces fall into place, Brooks could be one of the most electrifying players in college football by the end of the season.