Alabama football got more good news on Tuesday night with two veteran starters announcing their intentions to return to the Crimson Tide in 2025, joining an array of key pieces for the Crimson Tide who have announced their returns in the last week.
Redshirt sophomore safety Keon Sabb was the first to make his announcement. Sabb will return for his second season in Tuscaloosa after transferring over from Michigan. Sabb started the first seven games of the season for Alabama before having surgery to repair a broken foot following the Tide's loss to Tennessee.
Sabb intercepted two passes in his Alabama debut against Western Kentucky and was a steadying presence on the back end for a young Alabama secondary. Bray Hubbard played well in relief of Sabb following the injury, and the two should form a formidable duo at safety in 2025.
Sabb's return comes as no surprise as Kalen DeBoer alluded to his return during the season.
Another expected, but still welcome, return announcement was made by redshirt junior offensive guard Jaedan Roberts. Roberts is a veteran with 20 career starts under his belt. He started 12 of Alabama's 13 games this season at right guard, missing only the Mercer game due to injury.
Roberts battled injuries all season long and split time with Michigan State transfer Geno VanDeMark, especially in the second half of the season. Roberts is an imposing, physical presence, and if he can get back to 100% he has the potential to be one of the best guards in the country.
Alabama will return three starters on its offensive line with Roberts joining center Parker Brailsford, and left tackle Kadyn Proctor. The Tide will be looking for new starters at both left guard and right tackle. Tyler Booker declared for the draft and starting right tackle Elijah Pritchett entered the Transfer Portal.
The majority of the major announcements have been made, with Alabama really only waiting on WR Germie Bernard to decide if he's coming back in 2025 or entering the NFL Draft. The expectation remains that he will return to Tuscaloosa.