In the age of NIL deals and early NFL Draft declarations, returning for another year of college football isn’t always the popular decision — or the expected one. But at Alabama, a new wave of veteran leadership is taking root, not because the draft grades weren’t favorable or because of injury rehab, but because of something more powerful: belief, trust, and a shared sense of unfinished business.
For a program synonymous with championships and churning out NFL talent, Alabama finds itself in a rare position heading into the 2025 season — experienced, motivated, and fiercely united. Several key veterans, many projected as early-round draft picks, stunned fans and scouts alike by announcing they would return to Tuscaloosa. It wasn’t just one or two leaders making the call. It was a movement. A signal to the rest of college football: Alabama isn’t done yet.
The word “unfinished” keeps surfacing in interviews. It echoes through the locker room, the weight room, and on social media. For senior linebacker Deontae Lawson, who was projected as a second-round pick, the decision to return wasn’t easy — but it was deeply personal.
“We got close last year, but close doesn’t cut it at Alabama,” Lawson said. “There’s a standard here. Championships. Dominance. We fell short. And I couldn’t leave without giving everything I had to finish the mission.”
Lawson’s return anchors a defense already stacked with talent, and his leadership has been instrumental in setting the tone this offseason. His presence brings more than just tackles and play recognition; it’s about the message it sends to the younger players. It’s about setting a standard of commitment.
He wasn’t alone. Offensive lineman Tyler Booker, another top prospect who had scouts buzzing, opted to come back and lead an offensive front he believes could be one of the best in the nation. Booker, known for his tenacity and work ethic, made his intentions clear.
“I’ve always dreamed of the NFL. That hasn’t changed,” Booker said. “But when I looked at what we have here — the talent, the coaches, the culture — I knew there was something special brewing. I trust the guys in that locker room. I trust this coaching staff. And I want to be part of something bigger than just getting to the next level.”
That trust, especially in new head coach Kalen DeBoer, has been a defining factor in the return of so many upperclassmen. In the wake of Nick Saban’s retirement, many outside the program predicted instability, a mass exodus to the portal or early NFL departures. Instead, the opposite occurred.
DeBoer, a coach known for his steady hand, offensive ingenuity, and relationship-building, quickly gained the respect of the locker room. His track record at Washington spoke volumes, but it’s how he’s connected with the players at Alabama that made the difference.
“You don’t have to be Saban to earn our trust,” said senior safety Malachi Moore. “You just have to be real. Coach DeBoer came in and didn’t try to be someone he wasn’t. He listened. He learned about who we are and what we’ve been through. That earned our respect.”
Moore, another leader who could’ve jumped to the NFL, said the choice to return was made easier by DeBoer’s approach. That level of trust — from veteran to coach and teammate to teammate — is now the foundation of Alabama’s resurgence.
“Everybody’s got goals,” Moore said. “But when you sit back and realize the kind of history you can make together, it puts things in perspective. I didn’t come back just for me. I came back for the guy next to me.”
Quarterback Jalen Milroe, entering his final year, is arguably the face of this new era. After a rollercoaster season in 2024 that featured benchings, heroics, and near-glory, Milroe could’ve easily declared for the draft and turned the page. Instead, he doubled down on his commitment to Alabama, returning with a sense of clarity and a chip on his shoulder.
“I’ve grown a lot,” Milroe said. “Last year taught me what it means to be a leader. The highs and lows, the criticism, the pressure — it made me better. But I’m not satisfied. We’ve got everything we need to win it all. That’s what I’m here for.”
Milroe’s development has been evident this spring. His poise, accuracy, and command of the offense have all taken strides under DeBoer’s system. But it’s his leadership — his ability to rally teammates and hold them accountable — that has coaches and players buzzing.
Off the field, these returning stars have created a culture of accountability and purpose. Voluntary workouts have felt less like a chore and more like a mission. Film sessions are full. Walk-throughs are crisp. The locker room vibe? Different. Focused.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who emerged as a breakout star last season, said the return of so many veterans has reshaped the team’s mindset.