Five potential standouts for Alabama football in the 2025 campaign

As the Alabama Crimson Tide gears up for the 2025 college football season, anticipation is already building for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the program’s storied history. With a rich tradition of success and a seemingly never-ending pipeline of talent, the Tide has been a perennial powerhouse under head coach Nick Saban. As the 2025 season approaches, Alabama will look to reload after losing key players to the NFL Draft and graduation. While there are several question marks surrounding the team—particularly at the quarterback position—there are also a host of players primed to break out and make a significant impact.

Here are five potential standouts for Alabama football in the 2025 campaign, each poised to elevate their game and contribute to the Tide’s continued dominance on the field.

1. Jaylen Hale – Wide Receiver

Jaylen Hale, a 5-star recruit out of the 2023 class, is a player who could significantly impact Alabama’s passing attack in 2025. Standing at 6’1” and possessing a combination of speed, athleticism, and ball skills, Hale brings a physical presence to the wide receiver room. Though he may not have been the focal point of the offense in his first two seasons, his growth and development under Alabama’s top-tier coaching staff should pay off in 2025.

In the 2024 season, Hale flashed potential as a dynamic playmaker, with strong performances in non-conference games and as a deep threat in SEC play. By 2025, it’s likely that Hale will have developed into a go-to weapon for Alabama’s quarterback, whether it be a veteran like Jalen Milroe or a freshman phenom. His ability to stretch the field with deep routes while also contributing in short-yardage and intermediate situations makes him a versatile option for offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

What makes Hale particularly intriguing in 2025 is his potential to become a true No. 1 wide receiver in a program that has produced first-round talents at the position over the years. With Alabama’s success often predicated on their ability to balance the running game and passing game, Hale’s evolution into a premier playmaker will be crucial for the Tide’s offensive efficiency.

2. Justice Haynes – Running Back

Justice Haynes, the highly-touted running back out of the 2024 recruiting class, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first season at Alabama. His combination of vision, burst, and balance make him a threat in both the running and passing game, and by 2025, he could emerge as one of the most dynamic backs in the SEC.

Alabama has long been known for its stable of elite running backs, and Haynes is next in line to continue that tradition. As a true freshman in 2024, he quickly adapted to the college game and showcased his ability to find the end zone in multiple ways. His contributions as a dual-threat back—able to pound between the tackles while also being a receiving option out of the backfield—could make him a centerpiece of the offense in 2025.

With a strong offensive line and likely a growing sense of chemistry with the quarterback, Haynes is poised to assume a leading role in the Tide’s offense in 2025. Given Alabama’s preference for a balanced attack, Haynes will have ample opportunities to make his mark. His ability to handle a heavy workload while maintaining explosive plays will be essential to Alabama’s success in 2025.

3. Dallas Turner – Edge Rusher

The Crimson Tide defense has long been a staple of the program’s success, and Dallas Turner is one of the top players to watch as a potential standout in 2025. A pass-rushing dynamo, Turner is a player who can change the course of a game with his disruptive style of play. After a strong 2024 season in which he demonstrated his ability to collapse the pocket and generate pressure on quarterbacks, Turner will enter the 2025 campaign as one of the SEC’s premier edge rushers.

At 6’4” and 240 pounds, Turner possesses the physicality and athleticism to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His quickness off the edge, combined with his ability to shed blockers and close in on ball carriers, makes him a game-changer in Alabama’s 3-4 defensive scheme. As one of the leaders of the front seven, Turner will likely be asked to carry a heavy load, especially in key conference matchups.

What makes Turner particularly intriguing in 2025 is his potential to take his game to the next level and emerge as an All-American. If he can develop more consistency in his pass-rush technique and expand his toolbox of moves, he will be nearly impossible to stop. Given Alabama’s track record of producing elite edge rushers, Turner is well-positioned to continue that tradition and play a pivotal role in the Tide’s defense.

4. Malachi Moore – Defensive Back

Malachi Moore has been one of the bright spots in Alabama’s secondary since arriving on campus, and by 2025, he could be one of the top defensive backs in the nation. A versatile player with exceptional ball skills, Moore has the ability to play both safety and cornerback, making him a key asset in the Crimson Tide’s defensive scheme. As the 2025 season unfolds, Moore will likely emerge as the leader of a secondary that has traditionally been one of the toughest in college football.

In 2024, Moore’s playmaking ability was on full display as he recorded several interceptions and pass breakups, showcasing his high football IQ and ability to read the quarterback. As he enters his junior season in 2025, Moore will be even more comfortable with the defensive system and will continue to refine his technique.

Moore’s versatility allows defensive coordinator Kevin Steele to use him in multiple roles, from covering opposing receivers on the outside to playing close to the line of scrimmage as a hybrid safety. His instincts and ability to make plays in critical situations will be crucial for Alabama’s defense, particularly in the high-pressure environments of the SEC. Given his talent and potential, Moore could end 2025 as a consensus All-American and a future first-round NFL Draft pick.

5. Emil Ekiyor Jr. – Offensive Lineman

While much of the attention on Alabama’s offense typically revolves around skill position players, the offensive line is the foundation of the Crimson Tide’s success. Emil Ekiyor Jr., a 6’4”, 325-pound guard, could be one of the breakout stars on the offensive line in 2025. With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Ekiyor has the potential to be a dominant force in both the running and passing games.

Ekiyor was already an important contributor in 2024, but by 2025, he will be in the conversation as one of the best interior linemen in college football. As Alabama’s offensive line continues to evolve with new talent and depth, Ekiyor will likely be one of the key players to help establish the offensive line’s identity. His ability to open running lanes for backs like Justice Haynes, while also providing solid protection for the quarterback, will be critical to Alabama’s offensive success.

As a senior in 2025, Ekiyor will bring valuable experience and leadership to the line, and his ability to dominate in the trenches will be key in Alabama’s efforts to maintain their trademark balance of power running and explosive passing. Ekiyor has the physical tools to be a first-round draft pick and, in 2025, he could prove himself as one of the best interior linemen in college football.