ESPN has highlighted the potential of three Alabama players for the upcoming season by selecting them to their far too early 2025 All-America Team.

As college football fans eagerly await the 2025 season, ESPN has already made its predictions for some of the top players to watch in the coming year. With the landscape of college football constantly evolving, the way-too-early All-America teams are a reflection of both current talent and the promise that certain players hold for the future. This year, Alabama football has once again proven to be a powerhouse in recruiting and player development, with three standout players earning spots on ESPN’s 2025 All-America team.

The Alabama Crimson Tide have been a mainstay in college football’s upper echelon for over a decade, largely due to their ability to consistently recruit and develop talent. This recognition for three Alabama players is a testament to the program’s continued dominance and ability to stay ahead of the competition in the fiercely contested Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage.

Let’s break down these three players and why ESPN selected them to its way-too-early 2025 All-America Team. We’ll explore their contributions to Alabama’s success, their potential in the 2025 season, and what makes them stand out in a crowded field of elite talent.

1. Jalen Milroe – Quarterback

As one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, Jalen Milroe’s inclusion on ESPN’s way-too-early 2025 All-America Team was a no-brainer. Milroe, who has been Alabama’s starting quarterback for the 2024 season, has shown flashes of brilliance as both a passer and a rusher. His athleticism and dual-threat ability make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in college football and a potential game-changer for the Crimson Tide in 2025.

Strengths and Skills:

Milroe’s most notable asset is his mobility. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to evade pressure in the pocket and pick up yards with his legs. As a quarterback who can extend plays and create opportunities with his feet, Milroe poses a significant challenge for opposing defenses. However, he is also a capable passer, with a strong arm that can make throws to all areas of the field. In 2024, he has taken significant strides in terms of decision-making and accuracy, which bodes well for his development heading into 2025.

Milroe’s ability to balance the dual threat of passing and running gives Alabama a high ceiling in the coming season. His improvement as a passer, particularly in terms of reading defenses and executing more consistent throws, will be critical as Alabama looks to reclaim its place as a national title contender. If Milroe can put together a full season of steady, high-level play, he will firmly establish himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country and a leading candidate for All-America honors.

Why He’s a Candidate for 2025 All-America:

Milroe’s combination of athleticism, arm strength, and leadership on a national contender puts him in prime position to be an All-America quarterback. If he continues to refine his game and lead Alabama to another successful season in 2025, expect Milroe to be a fixture on postseason awards lists and in the discussion for Heisman Trophy contention.

2. Dallas Turner – Edge Rusher

Dallas Turner has emerged as one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound sophomore linebacker/edge rusher has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, recording sacks and tackles for loss at an impressive rate since his arrival at Alabama. ESPN’s inclusion of Turner on its way-too-early 2025 All-America Team is a testament to his disruptive presence and ability to affect games from the edge.

Strengths and Skills:

Turner’s explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and his relentless motor have made him a standout player for Alabama’s defense. He possesses an elite first step that allows him to beat offensive linemen to the edge and create pressure on the quarterback. His speed and strength make him a nightmare for tackles, and he’s shown an ability to chase down quarterbacks even after they escape the pocket. Additionally, Turner’s versatility allows him to be used in a variety of ways, whether he’s rushing from a stand-up position or with his hand in the dirt.

In 2024, Turner has been a key player in Alabama’s defense, and his development into a dominant edge rusher has been one of the highlights of the team’s defensive success. He’s capable of wreaking havoc in the backfield, whether by sacking the quarterback or disrupting running plays with his aggressive playstyle. Turner’s potential for 2025 is sky-high, as he looks poised to become one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football.

Why He’s a Candidate for 2025 All-America:

Turner’s raw talent and ability to disrupt offenses are qualities that make him a natural All-America candidate. If he can continue to develop his pass-rushing techniques, add more moves to his arsenal, and maintain his high level of play, Turner will be a top prospect for numerous awards. His ability to take over games with his pass-rushing ability will be critical in Alabama’s quest for another SEC title in 2025.

3. Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback

As one of the top cornerbacks in college football, Kool-Aid McKinstry has consistently shown his ability to lock down wide receivers and make plays on the ball. The 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback has emerged as a key part of Alabama’s secondary, showcasing both his ability to cover top receivers and create turnovers. ESPN’s selection of McKinstry to its 2025 All-America team speaks to his ability to be a difference-maker in the defensive backfield.

Strengths and Skills:

McKinstry is known for his exceptional athleticism, fluid movement, and ball skills. He has the quickness to stay with fast receivers and the length to challenge catches at the high point. McKinstry’s anticipation and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes give him the ability to make plays on the football, leading to interceptions and pass breakups. His ability to shut down one side of the field makes him a critical asset for Alabama’s defense, and his potential to be a lockdown corner in 2025 is undeniable.

McKinstry has been a key contributor for Alabama’s defense in 2024, and he has the potential to be even more impactful in 2025 as he refines his technique and continues to build chemistry with the rest of the secondary. As a versatile and shutdown corner, McKinstry can make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers alike.

Why He’s a Candidate for 2025 All-America:

McKinstry’s combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability makes him a prime candidate for All-America honors. If he can continue to showcase his ability to shut down top-tier receivers, force turnovers, and provide a sense of stability in Alabama’s secondary, McKinstry could be one of the top cornerbacks in college football in 2025. His potential as a future NFL prospect also adds to his case for All-America recognition.