As the Alabama Crimson Tide gears up for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on the newcomers that head coach Nick Saban and his staff have brought in to bolster the program’s roster. With Alabama’s continuous dominance in the SEC and a recruiting pipeline that consistently produces NFL-ready talent, it’s no surprise that a few fresh faces are already turning heads during spring practices. The 2025 season presents a unique opportunity for several new players to come in and make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball, continuing the Tide’s legacy of excellence.
While spring practices are often used to experiment with new schemes and provide depth across the roster, there are always a handful of players who stand out from the crowd. Whether they are freshmen making waves for the first time or transfer portal additions looking to find a new home, Alabama has always found ways to incorporate fresh talent early in the season. With the depth of the Alabama roster continuing to impress, it is not just the well-established names like quarterback Jalen Milroe, running back Jase McClellan, or linebacker Dallas Turner that people are talking about. This spring, a few newcomers have made such a mark that they could potentially be starting come Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Let’s take a look at three key newcomers who are showing promise during the spring practices and could have a significant impact on the Tide this fall.
The first standout newcomer is one that has already had his name thrown around among the fanbase as a potential game-changer. As the college football world becomes more reliant on the transfer portal to add experienced talent to rosters, Alabama has been one of the most active teams, ensuring they remain on the cutting edge of competition. Enter running back Braylen Russell, a transfer from Arkansas who comes to Tuscaloosa with a reputation for being one of the most talented ball carriers in the SEC. Having already played multiple seasons in the SEC, Russell is a seasoned player with a physical running style that complements Alabama’s historically bruising offense.
Russell is a powerful back standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 230 pounds, making him a perfect fit for the Tide’s physical ground game. He possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and vision that is sure to give Alabama’s offense a new dimension in 2025. His ability to break tackles and churn out yards after contact fits perfectly into what Alabama wants to accomplish in the run game, especially with the departure of standout backs like Jahmyr Gibbs to the NFL. Despite his larger frame, Russell is incredibly nimble and has shown flashes of breakaway speed, making him a versatile option for the Crimson Tide.
During spring practices, Russell has quickly established himself as a legitimate threat, impressing coaches with his ability to read defenses and his determination to turn what could be minimal gains into big plays. He is a well-rounded back who can excel in short-yardage situations, but his ability to break off long runs has certainly raised eyebrows. Russell’s maturity and experience in big-time SEC football make him a prime candidate to contribute immediately. While Alabama boasts a wealth of talent in its backfield, including returning players like Jase McClellan, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Russell work his way into a featured role for the Tide this fall. With his blend of size, skill, and understanding of the game, Russell could very well become one of the top running backs in the SEC in 2025.
Another newcomer who has already shown out during spring practices is wide receiver Christian Leary, a freshman out of Florida. Leary is one of the more highly regarded recruits in Alabama’s 2025 class, and his performance thus far in spring ball has only solidified that hype. Standing at 6’0” and weighing around 190 pounds, Leary brings a blend of speed and agility that Alabama’s wide receiver corps has desperately needed. He has already impressed coaches with his crisp route running, hands, and ability to create separation from defenders. What stands out most about Leary is his exceptional footwork and how he can make defenders miss in tight spaces. His speed allows him to gain yardage quickly, which makes him an ideal target for Alabama’s explosive passing game, particularly in the intermediate and deep routes.
Leary’s impact has been felt immediately, as he is already developing great chemistry with Alabama’s quarterbacks during spring practice. His ability to make contested catches has also caught the eye of Alabama’s coaching staff, showing that he can be trusted in tough situations. In a wide receiver room that is packed with talent, including veteran players like Jermaine Burton and Malik Benson, Leary’s presence will add another dimension to the offense. Given his natural ability to create explosive plays, it’s no wonder that Leary is being considered as one of the key contributors in 2025. While it may take a little while for him to establish himself as a true starter, don’t be surprised if Leary sees significant playing time in a rotation early in the season. His skill set is undeniable, and it’s clear that he has the potential to be a game-changer in the passing game.
The third newcomer on this list is one who may not be as high-profile as Russell and Leary but has certainly shown the ability to make an immediate impact on the defense. Linebacker Jamal Green, a freshman out of Georgia, has made waves this spring with his ability to get to the ball quickly and disrupt plays. Green is an athletic linebacker with a nose for the ball and a relentless motor. Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 220 pounds, he brings the speed and agility that Alabama’s defense is known for, and his versatility has been on full display in practices. He has the capability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and stop the run, which makes him a unique asset in a modern college football defense.
Green’s high football IQ has also been a key point of emphasis during spring practices. He understands defensive schemes and has a quick ability to process what’s happening on the field. His leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, as he is already vocal on the field, making sure the defense stays in sync. Linebacker has always been a position of importance at Alabama, and Green’s ability to adapt quickly to the intensity of spring practices is encouraging. With players like Dallas Turner and Deontae Lawson leading the charge, Green has the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business and eventually carve out a significant role for himself in the rotation. Given the competition at linebacker, it’s likely that Green will see playing time as a situational defender and could develop into a starting role as the season progresses.
What makes Green such an intriguing prospect is his potential to contribute in multiple ways. Whether it’s as a traditional linebacker in the middle of the defense or as a hybrid defender who can pressure the quarterback, Green offers flexibility. His ability to read offenses and adjust to different game situations will make him a valuable asset for Alabama’s defensive coordinator. While it may take time for Green to settle into a starting role, his performance during spring practices has demonstrated that he is well on his way to making an impact as a true freshman.
As Alabama prepares for the 2025 season, it’s clear that the team’s depth and talent continue to make it a formidable force in the SEC and college football as a whole. The performances of Braylen Russell, Christian Leary, and Jamal Green during spring practices show that this next wave of players could be just as important as the established stars when the season kicks off. With each of these players bringing something unique to the table, there’s a strong chance they will play pivotal roles for Alabama in the coming season. Whether it’s Russell’s bruising running style, Leary’s explosive speed, or Green’s versatility on defense, all three have the potential to make an immediate impact and contribute to Alabama’s pursuit of another national championship. In a program as rich with history and talent as Alabama’s, the future is always bright, and these newcomers are helping to ensure that the Tide will remain a powerhouse in 2025 and beyond.