Four members of the Crimson Tide to play in 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is one of the most prestigious events in college football, serving as a showcase for some of the nation’s best senior prospects ahead of the NFL Draft. Each year, the bowl features a collection of talented athletes who are looking to improve their stock for the professional level, and for Alabama football in 2025, several players are expected to have the opportunity to participate in this game. Four standout players from Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide are set to be among the participants in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, which will offer them a chance to prove themselves on a national stage and potentially boost their NFL draft status.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, these players will be looking to cement their legacies and continue Alabama’s tradition of producing top-tier NFL talent. The Reese’s Senior Bowl provides the ideal setting for them to do so, as they will be competing against some of the best senior players in the country. Here, we take a closer look at the four Crimson Tide players who are expected to participate in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, exploring their strengths, how they project to the next level, and their potential impact on the draft.

1. Jalen Milroe – Quarterback

Jalen Milroe’s journey at Alabama has been one of growth, development, and overcoming adversity. A dual-threat quarterback, Milroe has spent the last few years developing under the guidance of Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. After entering Alabama as a highly rated recruit, Milroe had to bide his time behind Bryce Young, but his opportunities finally came, and he has since evolved into a strong contender for the starting quarterback position in 2025. Milroe has demonstrated his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, making him one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in this draft class.

During his time at Alabama, Milroe’s development has been evident. He possesses a strong arm that allows him to make difficult throws at all levels of the field, and his mobility as a runner adds an extra dimension to his game. In 2025, Milroe enters his senior season with the potential to be a top NFL draft pick, and the Senior Bowl provides the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his skillset in front of NFL scouts.

Milroe’s dual-threat abilities are what make him such an intriguing prospect. In an era of football where mobility is becoming more important for quarterbacks, his athleticism gives him a significant edge over some of his competitors. While his consistency and decision-making still need improvement, the Reese’s Senior Bowl offers him a platform to fine-tune his game and demonstrate that he has the tools to succeed at the next level.

At the Senior Bowl, Milroe will have the chance to showcase his leadership, arm strength, and football IQ under the spotlight. His play in this game could go a long way in helping him rise in the NFL Draft rankings and potentially land him in the first round as a top quarterback prospect.

2. Brian Branch – Defensive Back

Brian Branch, a versatile and talented defensive back for Alabama, is one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft class. Over the course of his career at Alabama, Branch has been a mainstay in the defensive backfield, excelling in both the cornerback and safety positions. His ability to cover both the pass and run with equal proficiency has made him one of the most well-rounded defensive backs in college football. At the Senior Bowl, Branch will have the opportunity to showcase his elite skills and make a strong case for his NFL future.

Branch’s football intelligence is one of his strongest assets. He has an excellent understanding of the game and can read quarterbacks’ eyes and anticipate plays before they unfold. His ability to quickly break on the ball and make plays in coverage has been a hallmark of his time at Alabama. Whether he is playing in the slot, covering deep, or coming down to stop the run, Branch has the flexibility to contribute in multiple ways.

In addition to his physical tools, Branch has shown impressive leadership qualities on the field. He is a communicator, consistently getting his teammates lined up correctly and ensuring everyone is on the same page. This ability to lead in the secondary, combined with his elite coverage skills and ball-hawking instincts, makes Branch a highly valuable prospect.

At the Senior Bowl, Branch will likely be matched up against some of the best wide receivers in the nation, and this will be an excellent opportunity for him to further showcase his coverage skills and playmaking ability. If he performs well at the Senior Bowl, Branch could solidify his status as one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

3. Jaheim Oatis – Defensive Line

Jaheim Oatis is a force to be reckoned with on the Alabama defensive line. A massive defensive tackle, Oatis has the size, strength, and quickness to be a game-changer in the middle of the defensive front. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 350 pounds, Oatis combines his imposing physicality with surprising agility for his size. Throughout his career at Alabama, Oatis has been a disruptive presence, and his ability to both clog running lanes and rush the quarterback has made him one of the most exciting interior defensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class.

Oatis’ skill set includes a combination of power and quickness, allowing him to shed blockers and penetrate the backfield with ease. While his size makes him a formidable presence in run defense, it’s his ability to collapse the pocket and generate pressure on the quarterback that sets him apart. His quick first step and impressive burst make him a tough assignment for offensive linemen.

In the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Oatis will have the chance to demonstrate his ability to be a disruptive force at the next level. NFL teams are always on the lookout for players who can dominate the line of scrimmage and create havoc in the backfield, and Oatis’ unique skill set will be put to the test during the week of practices and in the game itself. His performance in this setting could determine how quickly he is selected in the draft.

Oatis is still working to refine certain aspects of his game, but his potential as an interior pass rusher and run stopper makes him a valuable asset for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive front. If he shines in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, he could see his draft stock rise significantly.

4. Eli Ricks – Cornerback

Eli Ricks is a cornerback who has been on the radar of NFL scouts for some time now. After transferring from LSU to Alabama, Ricks quickly became one of the most important members of Alabama’s secondary. A highly skilled and physically gifted player, Ricks excels in man-to-man coverage and has the length and athleticism to compete with any wide receiver in college football. With his ball skills, footwork, and overall technique, Ricks has the potential to be one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 draft.

Ricks has a natural ability to make plays on the ball, and his ball-hawking instincts have been evident throughout his career. He has the vision and timing to anticipate throws, and his ability to disrupt passes and secure interceptions makes him a dangerous player for opposing quarterbacks.

The Senior Bowl will be an excellent opportunity for Ricks to showcase his skills against top-level competition. Whether he’s locking down wide receivers in one-on-one drills or demonstrating his ability to read quarterbacks’ eyes in game situations, Ricks’ performance in Mobile could play a pivotal role in determining where he’s drafted. With a strong week of practice and a solid game performance, Ricks has the chance to solidify his standing as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class.