5 Alabama players that should be getting talked about more heading into 2025 season

As Alabama gears up for the 2025 season under new leadership, there is a cadre of under-the-radar contributors poised to make significant impacts on both sides of the ball . From a wide receiver ready to cement his reliability in the passing game to a linebacker whose freshman versatility hints at stardom, these five players represent the depth and future of the Crimson Tide . While stars like Jalen Milroe and Kool-Aid McKinstry will rightly draw headlines, this article spotlights Cole Adams, Richard Young, Bray Hubbard, Qua Russaw, and Keon Keeley—the names that should be on every fan’s radar as the Tide pursues another championship .

Cole Adams – The Steadfast Receiver

Cole Adams emerged as a dependable target during the early part of the 2024 campaign, appearing in four of the first six games before a leg injury against South Carolina sidelined him for the remainder of the season . In limited action, he amassed 94 receiving yards on just six catches, showcasing his knack for finding soft spots in coverage and making contested grabs when called upon . Wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard lauded Adams as “Mr. Reliable” during fall practices, emphasizing his consistency and trustworthiness in quarterback-friendly situations . As Alabama’s receiver corps undergoes turnover, Adams is primed to step into a larger role alongside established targets, providing DeVonta Smith-level dependability in critical moments . Expect Adams to translate his spring momentum into a full-season campaign in 2025, becoming a safety valve for a young quarterback and a chain-moving asset in third-down scenarios .

Richard Young – The Emerging Power Back

With Justice Haynes departing via the transfer portal, Richard Young enters 2025 as the leading candidate for the Crimson Tide’s second-string running back spot . Competing against incoming transfer Dre’lyn Washington, Young has drawn praise from offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer for his physical running style, notably breaking off a 62-yard touchdown romp against Missouri in 2024 . Though he logged just 27 carries last season, Young demonstrated explosive burst and contact balance, finishing with 146 rushing yards and two scores in limited action . In 2025, he will contend for reps in a backfield that values power and versatility, potentially carving out a complementary role to emerging freshman talents . Watch for Young to become a situational thunder back, bulldozing through short-yardage downs and occasionally flashing as a breakaway threat when defenses overcommit .

Bray Hubbard – The Next Safety Anchor

After stepping in for the injured Keon Sabb in 2024, Bray Hubbard seized the starting safety role and never looked back, recording 35 tackles, three interceptions, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble over ten games . His instinctive playmaking, combined with an ability to read quarterback eye-lines, earned him a No. 6 ranking among returning safeties by Pro Football Focus, underscoring his significance to Alabama’s secondary in 2025 . Hubbard’s ball-hawking skills and physical tackling style make him a mismatch-proof defender against slot receivers, while his rangy closing speed allows him to patrol the deep middle effectively . As the Tide adapts to defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s scheme, Hubbard’s leadership and experience will be pivotal in mentoring younger defensive backs and executing complex coverage rotations . Expect Hubbard to elevate his impact with higher interception totals and critical third-down stops, cementing his status as the backbone of Alabama’s back end .

Qua Russaw – The Versatile Linebacker

As Alabama’s linebacker corps reloads, sophomore Qua Russaw stands out as a player whose 2024 freshman campaign hinted at future stardom . He tallied 48 tackles—tied for fourth on the team—alongside seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and an interception, demonstrating a rare multi-faceted skill set for a first-year contributor . Russaw’s blend of instincts, athleticism, and football IQ allowed him to thrive in diverse roles, from run stopping to coverage and occasional pass rushing, making him a Swiss Army knife in Wommack’s defense . Heading into 2025, he is projected to assume a leadership role in the linebacker room, mentoring incoming freshmen while anchoring the middle of the defense with his sideline-to-sideline range and play-diagnosing prowess . Watch for Russaw to refine his pass-rush arsenal—using improved power moves and leverages to bump his sack totals—and to thwart emerging tight ends and running backs in coverage, further underscoring his indispensability . By season’s end, Russaw could very well lead the Tide in tackles and serve as the defensive signal-caller on the field, setting the tone with physical hits and timely turnovers .

Keon Keeley – The Patient Pass Rusher

Entering his third season in Tuscaloosa, Keon Keeley’s journey from five-star recruit to underappreciated rotational defender has been one of quiet development . A consensus No. 2 prospect in the class of 2023, Keeley arrived with the weight of replacing All-American edge rushers Will Anderson and Dallas Turner, only to find himself adapting to position shifts and a new defensive scheme under Kane Wommack . Despite being labeled a disappointment by some national outlets, Keeley remained on campus, honing his craft and earning Wommack’s praise as one of the most improved players during bowl practices . In 2025, competition at the “Bandit” edge position remains fierce—featuring LT Overton, transfer Kelby Collins, and Jordan Renaud—but Keeley’s 6‑foot‑5, 280‑pound frame and refined footwork could secure him critical rotational snaps on passing downs . Expect Keeley to make the leap in his third year, delivering consistent quarterback pressures and even a handful of sacks, as his patience and background work finally yield on-field dividends .

Conclusion

While marquee names will dominate preseason chatter, the true depth of Alabama’s championship aspirations lies in players like Adams, Young, Hubbard, Russaw, and Keeley—athletes whose trajectories point toward breakout campaigns in 2025. From clutch receptions to game‑altering defensive plays, these five individuals embody the next wave of Crimson Tide talent, ready to step into pivotal roles as the program evolves under new coaching leadership. Keep an eye on their development, as their performances may very well define Alabama’s path back to national prominence.