With the 2025 NFL Draft seeing several Alabama Crimson Tide stars selected in the first round, attention now turns to who will step up next in Tuscaloosa. ESPN recently spotlighted the players expected to fill the void left by those departures, and the list is brimming with young talent ready to uphold Alabama’s storied legacy.
Among the biggest shoes to fill is that of star edge rusher Dallas Turner. ESPN pointed to sophomore Keon Keeley as the most likely replacement. A former five-star recruit, Keeley has the physical tools and motor to become the next elite defender in Nick Saban’s system. At cornerback, with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold off to the NFL, redshirt freshman Jahlil Hurley and rising sophomore Desmond Ricks are primed for bigger roles.
Offensively, the Tide will rely heavily on Justice Haynes to take over as lead running back following Jase McClellan’s departure. ESPN also noted the emergence of true freshman Ryan Williams at wide receiver—already turning heads in spring practices.
The Crimson Tide’s ability to reload rather than rebuild has been a hallmark of their dynasty under Saban, and ESPN’s analysis reinforces that trend. With top-tier talent waiting in the wings, Alabama fans have plenty of reason to stay optimistic despite the loss of multiple first-round draft picks. As always, the Tide appears ready to roll into the new season with national title aspirations intact.
