Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer just signed his first recruiting class as head man for the Crimson Tide. Alabama brought in the No.2 class in the country, according to ON3, finishing just behind Texas and ahead of Oregon.
Alabama brought in four five-star recruits, 14 four-stars, and four three-stars in a class headlined by five-star quarterback Keelon Russell. Overall, it was a balanced class featuring potential starters all over the field.
Still, even with a strong first class for Kalen DeBoer, Alabama will need to add in the transfer portal to put their best foot forward next season. Looking around the roster, the main points of emphasis in the portal after early signing day will be the front seven on defense, the tight end spot, and wide receiver.
Alabama’s defense lacked their normal intensity this season. The Tide allowed 139.8 rushing yards per game and only posted 23 sacks, both season lows for the 2020s. The big problem is the sack numbers, Alabama ranks No.15 of 16 teams in the SEC in sacks, a sharp drop from the 40 the Crimson Tide had in 2023.
Injuries did play a part in the Crimson Tide’s struggle, and the signing class may have some potential to improve the pass rush. Alabama added three four-star linebackers and two four-star edge rushers but will need to add depth and experience to a front seven to a group that is losing seniors Tim Smith and Justin Jefferson, as well as guys like Jihaad Campbell who are likely to turn pro.
The two starting tight ends for Alabama this season have been CJ Dipree and Robbie Ouzts, both of whom are seniors.
Dipree has 19 catches on the year for 238 yards, and Ouzts, who serves more as a blocker, has seven grabs for 83 yards and one touchdown.
Alabama did add two four-star tight ends and is expected to return Josh Cuevas, who is No.5 on the team in receptions this season. But should Alabama return Jalen Milroe at quarterback, a pass-catching tight end could be a big playmaker for the Tide in 2025.
There has been almost constant speculation about what the Alabama receiver’s room will look like in 2025. We do know that Kobe Prentice plans to enter the portal, and it's possible there's more attrition at the position with others potentially looking at the portal as well.
Alabama did add a pair of receivers in this year’s signing class, but a veteran presence could help Alabama distribute the ball, and a solid, experienced route runner could take Jalen Milroe’s game to the next level.
Alabama has another great class, but it could still be a little while before we see these guys full potential on the field.