5 Alabama Football Players Who Could Have Breakout Seasons on Defense in 2025
Alabama football has long been synonymous with defensive dominance, and even though the Crimson Tide may be facing a few more challenges in recent seasons, the defense remains one of the program’s key strengths. With the 2025 season on the horizon, there are a number of players who could emerge as the next defensive stars for Alabama. These players have the talent, the opportunity, and the drive to make a significant impact on the field. Here are five Alabama football players who could have breakout seasons on defense in 2025.
1. Keldric Faulk – EDGE/OLB
One of the most exciting defensive recruits Alabama has landed in recent years, Keldric Faulk is a name that Crimson Tide fans should be watching closely. The 6’6”, 250-pound edge rusher from Opelika, Alabama, is a physical specimen who has all the tools to excel at the next level. After coming to Alabama as a highly-touted recruit, Faulk has the potential to be an absolute game-changer on the edge of the defense.
In 2025, Faulk could be primed to break out as a star pass rusher, especially with the potential for him to step into a starting role. Alabama has always relied on its ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, and Faulk has the explosive first step, agility, and strength to wreak havoc in the backfield. If Faulk takes the next step in his development, he could lead the Crimson Tide’s pass rush and become one of the most feared defenders in the SEC.
2. Ja’Corey Brooks – CB
While Ja’Corey Brooks is better known as a wide receiver, he could make a major impact on the defensive side of the ball in 2025. As a versatile and physically gifted player, Brooks has the size (6’1”, 210 pounds) and athleticism to make an immediate impact as a cornerback. Given Alabama’s depth at wide receiver, Brooks has the potential to be shifted to defense, where his physicality and ball skills could be well utilized.
Brooks has great instincts, a high football IQ, and the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, which makes him a natural candidate to become a lockdown corner. If he transitions well to the defensive backfield and adapts to the challenges of covering elite SEC wide receivers, he could establish himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the conference and a potential breakout player in 2025.
3. Tim Keenan III – DT
Tim Keenan III is a massive presence in the middle of the defensive line and a player who could be poised for a breakout season in 2025. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 335 pounds, Keenan is an immovable force at defensive tackle. Alabama’s defense has historically been built around dominating the trenches, and Keenan has the potential to be a game-wrecking force that disrupts both the run game and the passing attack.
With his size and strength, Keenan can occupy multiple blockers, freeing up other defenders to make plays. However, what makes Keenan particularly intriguing is his ability to get penetration into the backfield. If he can fine-tune his technique and show the ability to get after the quarterback more consistently, Keenan could be a dominant interior defender for Alabama. Given the state of the defensive line heading into 2025, Keenan is set to play a key role in controlling the line of scrimmage.
4. Malik Benson – S
Another rising star in Alabama’s secondary is Malik Benson, a safety with elite ball skills and a knack for being around the football. The 6’2”, 200-pound safety has shown flashes of brilliance in his early years with the Crimson Tide, and with more opportunities for playing time, 2025 could be his breakout year. His ability to play both as a centerfielder and in the box allows him to be versatile in coverage and against the run.
Benson has the athleticism to match up against tight ends, wide receivers, and running backs in coverage, and his physicality allows him to contribute as a tackler in the open field. With Alabama’s secondary needing to fill some gaps and deal with the departure of key players, Benson has the potential to take on a more prominent role. A productive 2025 season could see him emerge as one of the best safeties in the SEC and a potential future NFL prospect.
5. Trevon Diggs – CB
Alabama has seen some excellent cornerbacks over the years, and Trevon Diggs is no exception. Standing at 6’2” and possessing excellent speed and ball skills, Diggs has been an integral part of Alabama’s secondary. In the 2025 season, he is expected to continue his growth and could be primed for a breakout campaign in a defense that has relied on strong secondary play.
What sets Diggs apart is his length, agility, and ability to read the quarterback. He has a natural ability to track the ball in the air and make plays on the football, as seen in his interceptions and forced turnovers in previous seasons. With the defense needing a player to lock down opposing receivers, Diggs could emerge as one of the SEC’s premier cornerbacks in 2025. Expect him to be in the mix for postseason accolades and potential All-SEC honors.
Alabama’s defense in 2025 is sure to feature several breakout stars, especially given the depth and talent the team possesses. Players like Keldric Faulk, Ja’Corey Brooks, Tim Keenan III, Malik Benson, and Trevon Diggs could be in line for major seasons that elevate them into the national spotlight. Whether it’s Faulk’s pass-rushing prowess or Benson’s ball-hawking skills, these players have the potential to become key contributors and possibly even household names by the end of the 2025 season.
In the always competitive SEC, Alabama’s defense will once again be called upon to carry the team, and these five players have the chance to make a major impact. As the season unfolds, these athletes will be ones to watch as they seek to make their mark and lead Alabama back to its elite status on defense.