The Alabama football roster is so deep with talent at almost every position that most young players have to wait their turn. Having to wait does not mean biding time, as younger players must fight through a logjam to earn significant practice reps once a season begins.
Five Alabama Crimson Tide players; two redshirt freshmen and three true freshman are vying for key roles in their positions. All five, even the true freshmen, have show they will become major contributors for the Crimson Tide. The only question now is when. For some of the five, the most likely when is the 2026 season, but it could mean sooner than later, as in the 2025 season.
We know the five discussed below are making strides because practice observers and more importantly, the Alabama football coaching staff have praised them several times.
Future Alabama Football Stars
- Jeremiah Beaman (RFR) - 4-star, Top 100 defensive lineman in the 2024 class
- Noah Carter (RFR) - 4-star, Top 100 Edge in the 2024 class
- Dijon Lee (FR) - 5-star, cornerback in the 2025 class
- Justin Hill (FR) - 4-star, Top 100 Edge in the 2025 class
- Ivan Taylor (FR) - 4-star, Top 50 Safety, and No. 2 ranked Safety in the 2025 class
Everyone one of the five guys fit a prediction of 'not if, but when.' When may not come until the second half of the 2025 season, or perhaps not until the 2026 season, but barring serious injury, the five, young players will make a significant impact in their Alabama Crimson Tide careers.
Jeremiah Beaman has been drawing praise for months and that continued in Fall Camp. In the interior defensive line rotation, Beaman is expected to spell Tim Keenan At DT, and possibly James Smith at NT. Bama should have a solid rotation of five guys for those two spots, including Edric Hill and Kelby Collins.
It is well known that Alabama has an abundance of talent at the Wolf position, Even in the crowded room, both Noah Carter and Justin Hill have performed like guys who will have rotation roles before the season is over.
In Alabama's deep defensive back group, it would be expected playing time for freshmen will be minimal. Ivan Taylor as quickly shown he has the skills to play now. Dijon Lee, both physically and mentally has the attributes that would make him an immediate starter on several SEC teams. Alabama is expected to rotate defensive backs and Lee is too good to leave on the bench.