Missing the 12-team College Football Playoff by one spot was a fitting end to a disappointing season for Alabama in 2024. While the team fell short of expectations in Coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season at the helm, it showed plenty of flashes that it is still a program to be excited about going forward.
With a loaded 2025 recruiting haul that ranks second nationally, Alabama should return to competing for national championships as soon as next season. Over the coming weeks we will learn which players on the roster will return for the 2025 campaign, which will enter the NFL Draft, and which will depart via the NCAA transfer portal.
There are four players that I believe will have huge decisions to make regarding the NFL, and their stay-or-go decisions will have a massive impact on Alabama in 2025.
This list, of course, consists only of draft-eligible players. It won’t include underclassmen like freshman Ryan Williams, or players like Jalen Milroe and Jihaad Campbell who I strongly believe will enter the draft.
Campbell has been one of the best linebackers in the country this season, and projects as an even better pro. Milroe, even after a frustrating season that was more inconsistent than his first as a starter, has shown enough physical traits to still be a first round draft pick according to some publications.
All of the players listed below were starters and strong contributors in 2024, but still have room to improve their draft stock. Additionally, most play positions that Alabama may need to fill in the transfer portal should they depart.
4. Domani Jackson
Junior cornerback Domani Jackson transferred to Alabama last offseason, shortly before the retirement of Coach Nick Saban. The former 5-star recruit proved to be a playmaker at corner, notching 48 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups while generally locking down one side of the field.
Jackson has mostly mid-round NFL Draft grades, but the former track star with a pro-ready frame will be impressive in a combine setting and could be a late riser.
Bama will probably be fine at corner either way. Freshmen like Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe, and the versatile Zay Mincey are all very talented and got a ton of valuable experience this season. The Tide also welcomes in a pair of 2025 prospects in Chuck McDonald and Dijon Lee who could step on campus ready to play.
Regardless, it would be very nice to have a proven commodity like Domani Jackson back in a senior leader-type role in the secondary.
3. Tim Keenan III
Redshirt junior defensive tackle Tim Keenan III has been Alabama’s most productive defensive lineman over the last two seasons, totaling 74 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
He is one of the best interior run stoppers in the SEC and shows surprising agility in pass rush situations, regularly disrupting opposing offenses in the backfield.
This Alabama defensive line expects to lose two difference-makers in Tim Smith (out of eligibility) and LT Overton (projected first round pick by CBS). If he returns in 2025, Keenan III will give the Tide’s defensive front a stout presence and clear leader.
2. Parker Brailsford
Redshirt sophomore center Parker Brailsford was a reliable starter for the Tide in 2024. Alabama’s offensive line still has plenty of room to improve, but Brailsford was a bright spot after transferring in from Washington.
Bama is expected to lose junior guard and All-American Tyler Booker, so it could really use Brailsford’s presence to anchor the interior offensive line. Should he depart, Alabama could turn to rising redshirt senior Geno VanDeMark at the center position.
1. Deontae Lawson
It goes without saying that redshirt junior linebacker Deontae Lawson has been one of the most critical pieces of the Alabama defense. The quarterback of the defense, Lawson served as the primary communicator of the unit and excelled in that role before suffering a season-ending injury at Oklahoma.
In addition to his leadership qualities, Lawson flew around the field, contributing 76 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He has recorded 194 tackles over the last three seasons for the Tide.
Like Jackson, Lawson is receiving mid-round projections. His injury and recovery timeline will also likely be factors one way or another. With Jihaad Campbell likely headed to the draft and Justin Jefferson out of eligibility, it would be huge for Bama to get their captain back on the second level of the defense.