**Former Alabama Five-Star’s Weight Gains Highlight Crimson Tide Roster Changes Heading Into Pivotal 2025 Season**
The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has long been synonymous with excellence, dominance, and an unwavering commitment to player development. As the team gears up for the 2025 season—one that could define the legacy of head coach Kalen DeBoer—roster changes, particularly in player physique, are drawing significant attention. Among the most notable transformations are the weight gains of former five-star recruits, whose physical evolutions underscore the program’s adaptability and preparation for the challenges ahead. These changes not only reflect individual growth but also signal broader shifts in Alabama’s strategy as it navigates a new era in the post-Nick Saban landscape.
One of the most talked-about developments this offseason has been the noticeable weight gains of several key players, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. In the trenches, where games are often won or lost, Alabama’s strength and conditioning staff has clearly prioritized adding mass without sacrificing speed or agility. A prime example is former five-star offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett, who arrived in Tuscaloosa as a lean but athletic prospect. Now, entering his junior year, Pritchett has bulked up to nearly 320 pounds, a significant increase from his freshman playing weight of 290. This added size is expected to enhance his ability to anchor against elite SEC pass rushers while maintaining the mobility required for Alabama’s evolving offensive scheme.
Similarly, on the defensive side of the ball, former five-star edge rusher Keon Keeley has undergone a remarkable transformation. Keeley, who was initially seen as a speed rusher at 240 pounds, has added nearly 20 pounds of muscle, now tipping the scales at 260. This adjustment suggests a strategic shift in how Alabama plans to utilize its defensive front. In an era where offensive linemen are more athletic than ever, Keeley’s added bulk could make him a more versatile weapon, capable of setting the edge against the run while still possessing the explosiveness to harass quarterbacks. His development is emblematic of Alabama’s emphasis on creating hybrid defenders who can thrive in multiple roles.
The weight gains are not limited to the linemen. Even skill-position players have shown noticeable physical changes. Five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams, one of the most electrifying talents in the 2024 recruiting class, has added 15 pounds of muscle since his early enrollment. Now listed at 190 pounds, Williams’ added strength should help him combat the physical press coverage he’ll face in the SEC, while his elite speed and route-running remain intact. For a player expected to be a cornerstone of Alabama’s passing attack, this development could be the difference between a good season and a truly dominant one.
These physical transformations are not accidental. They reflect a deliberate effort by Alabama’s coaching and strength staff to tailor player development to the demands of modern college football. Under Saban, the Crimson Tide were known for their ability to mold players into NFL-ready prospects, and early indications suggest that DeBoer’s regime is continuing that tradition. However, the approach may have subtle differences. DeBoer’s offensive background emphasizes versatility and explosiveness, which could explain why players like Keeley and Williams have added weight without losing their dynamic athleticism.
The roster changes extend beyond just weight gains. Alabama’s 2025 squad will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all of whom must adapt to a new system. The departure of key players to the NFL, such as quarterback Jalen Milroe and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, leaves significant voids. Yet, the emergence of younger talents—many of whom have spent the offseason transforming their bodies—offers reason for optimism. Quarterback Ty Simpson, now the presumed starter, has also added muscle, which should help him withstand the rigors of a full SEC season. His development, both physically and mentally, will be critical to Alabama’s success.
Defensively, the Crimson Tide are undergoing a philosophical shift. With Kane Wommack taking over as defensive coordinator, Alabama is expected to employ a more aggressive, attacking style. This scheme places a premium on size and strength upfront, which makes the weight gains of players like Keeley and freshman phenom Zabien Brown (who has added 10 pounds to his frame) all the more significant. The secondary, while younger, features several former five-stars who have spent the offseason refining their bodies to handle the physicality of SEC receivers.
Of course, added weight is only beneficial if it translates to on-field performance. Alabama’s strength and conditioning staff, led by David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea, have earned a reputation for maximizing player potential without compromising health or mobility. Their science-backed approach ensures that weight gains are sustainable and functional, not just cosmetic. This meticulous attention to detail has been a hallmark of Alabama’s success, and it will be put to the test in 2025 as the team faces a gauntlet of elite opponents.
The 2025 season is pivotal for Alabama, not just because of the high expectations that come with the program, but because it represents a proving ground for DeBoer’s vision. The transition from Saban was never going to be seamless, but the physical and mental growth of the roster suggests that the Crimson Tide are far from relinquishing their spot among college football’s elite. The weight gains of former five-stars like Pritchett, Keeley, and Williams are more than just offseason headlines—they are a testament to the program’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these transformations translate to the field. Will the added size help Alabama reclaim its dominance in the trenches? Can the new-look defense stifle the high-powered offenses of Georgia, Texas, and LSU? And perhaps most importantly, will the Crimson Tide’s roster evolution be enough to secure a return to the College Football Playoff?
One thing is certain: Alabama’s dedication to player development remains as strong as ever. The weight gains are just one piece of the puzzle, but they highlight a program that is relentlessly preparing for the battles ahead. In a sport where the margin for error is razor-thin, the Crimson Tide’s attention to detail could make all the difference in a season that promises to be one of the most consequential in recent memory.
For Alabama fans, the 2025 campaign is not just about winning games—it’s about proving that the standard hasn’t changed. And if the offseason transformations are any indication, the Crimson Tide are ready to meet that standard head-on.
