On Friday, the SEC released the media's predictions for the league's order of finish, as well as the all-conference team members.
Alabama had 11 players named to the All-SEC teams, but there were some notable players absent who have a great chance at breaking through and being on the teams that matter by season's end.
Here's Alabama's representatives on the All-SEC teams:
1st: WR Ryan Williams, LT Kadyn Proctor
2nd: C Parker Brailsford, OG Jaedan Roberts, DL Tim Keenan III, DL LT Overton, LB Deontae Lawson, CB Domani Jackson
3rd: RB Jam Miller, S Keon Sabb, S Bray Hubbard
All the players selected are deserving of consideration, but Alabama has several players who are flying under the radar that could be on one of the All-SEC teams by season's end.
These under the radar Alabama players could be All-SEC worthy
WRs Isaiah Horton or Germie Bernard
Alabama has the potential to have a prolific passing offense this season, with the major caveat of Ty Simpson - or another QB - playing above-average ball. Along with projected All-American Ryan Williams, Alabama has more talent around him at WR than it did a year ago.
Germie Bernard is back after an impactful first season at Alabama. The Washington transfer was actually Alabama's leading receiver over the last nine games of the season.
All eyes will be on Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Horton, who seems like a perfect fit next to Williams and Bernard. Williams will get the most touches, but Horton and Bernard will be in consistent competition with each other for the second-most touches on the outside.
QB Ty Simpson
Here's your bold prediction: if Simpson is on one of the three All-SEC teams, Alabama wins the National Championship. The roster has everything else; if the QB position comes together, then this is a championship team.
Simpson is the presumed starter and has the most experience. He has had an impressive offseason, but it remains to be seen how he will perform when the lights are bright. He has the offensive line and the skill guys to thrive.
DT James Smith
Entering his third year in the program, a breakout for the former 5-star DT feels imminent. Alabama hasn't had a truly disruptive interior defensive lineman since Christian Barmore's late breakout in 2020, which he parlayed into early entry in the NFL Draft.
Tim Keenan is the space-eating nose who will stuff the ground game, but Smith could make an impact against the run and as an interior pass rusher.
Smith started coming into his own near the end of last season. He had a sack and two tackles for loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. Now, Smith is projected to start at DT next to Keenan. His talent has never been in question, and with another year of development, he could be one of the top defensive linemen in the country.
LB Qua Russaw
Smith's high school teammate, Qua Russaw, earned a starting role last season and will now look for a bigger breakout in his third year. Russaw is one of the most athletic players on the roster. At SEC Media Days, star LB Deontae Lawson called Russaw an "animal" and mentioned that he tops out at around 22 MPH.
The next step in the evolution of Russaw is rushing the passer. He's got the athletic ability, but needs refinement in his technical ability. He was the edge-setting run stopper last year, and typically subbed out for Que Robinson on passing downs. He'll hope to become a three-down player this year.
If he does, it'll be because of improved pass rush skills. And if that happens, Russaw could be as impactful off the edge as any player in the country.