Players from all across the world will be on Alabama’s 2025 roster.

Players come from three different nations and 19 different states.

 

A number of players from outside the United States have been recruited by Alabama’s coaching staff, who take pleasure in recruiting from coast to coast.

It is crucial that Alabama succeeds in recruiting in many parts of the nation, regardless of what other people may think.

Alabama’s success in the past has come from recruiting players from within the state, outside of it, and sometimes even outside.

Alabama is the state having the most players on its roster as of 2025.

Twenty-two players from Yellowhammer State are on the Tide’s roster.

The teams with the greatest representation on Alabama’s roster outside of Alabama are Florida (6), Texas (8), and California (11).

It’s interesting to note that Alabama has a player from Canada, Finland, and Nigeria—three nations not recognized for producing talented football players.

Overall, the demographic composition of the roster is interesting to see.

Additionally, when the spring transfer gateway window opens, the numbers will climb. However, a lot can be learned about the backgrounds of the players on the team and how they will affect Alabama’s future both on and off the field.

 

 

Last month, Ty Simpson was predicted to be the Alabama Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback next season, and Jalen Milroe was headed into the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the fates of young athletes are hardly written in stone, as several signal-callers are fighting to start.

 

Per reporting from On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos, former five-star recruit Keelon Russell is staking his claim despite only enrolling in Tuscaloosa less than a month ago.

 

“Kee is competing hard, he’s a competitor. But as a whole, nobody is a clear-cut No. 1 because all of them are alphas,” a source said to On3.

 

Simpson, a former five-star from the 2022 class, has seen limited playing time over the last three years — although, far from enough to justify him earning the job outright.

 

In an article predicting Simpson to be the likely starter at Alabama, ESPN distilled its selection by stating, “Simpson is Alabama’s most experienced quarterback, and he should be given an opportunity to claim QB1 duties in the fall if the Crimson Tide don’t add through the portal before then.”

 

It’s worth noting that head coach Kalen DeBoer didn’t recruit Simpson, but he did recruit Russell.

 

All of the quarterbacks inherited by DeBoer before his arrival — Pitt’s Eli Holstein, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Boston College’s Dylan Lonergan — transferred out because they may have seen the writing on the wall that their time was up in Tuscaloosa.

 

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson

 

Wiltfong and Nakos’ reporting also included big observations about other key Alabama freshmen. From a source:

 

“(Safety) Ivan Taylor, (wide receiver) Derek Meadows, freaking (offensive tackle) Jackson Lloyd, (offensive lineman) Michael Carroll, (cornerback) Dijon (Lee), (wide receiver) Lotzeir (Brooks), all our freshmen — we’ve really been excited and surprised by our freshmen. All of our dudes are thriving, it’s unreal. And they’re fitting in well with the team.

 

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson

 

“Ivan, he’s a pro. He handles everything. He and (EDGE) Justin Hill, those dudes are pros. They finish, they work hard, they do extra, they’re in the training room, they take care of their body. They come in from a professional mindset and a great background. This class is a home run.”

 

The Crimson Tide had the No. 3 recruiting class in 2025. They added three five-star players total in Russell, Carroll and Lee, and seven players ranked in the top 100.

 

 

 

 

The streak of bad luck that struck Alabama basketball has been broken.

 

The No. 4 Crimson Tide experienced a series of unfortunate events leading up to Kentucky, which might be why Vegas saw Alabama (22-5, 11-3 SEC) as an overwhelming favorite to get back on track this weekend against the No. 21 Wildcats.

 

The prediction was warranted as UK fell, 96-83, to let UA complete the sweep of the blueblood.

 

Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky forward Andrew Carr (7) lands atop Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate (10), fouling him, at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Muscle Shoals, Ala., native Mark Sears led the Crimson Tide with 30 points, supported by a 19-point performance by Auburn transfer Aden Holloway.

 

Kentucky (18-9, 7-7) matched Alabama’s four double-digit scorers with four of its own but found itself denied by points off of turnovers for Alabama and rebounds.

 

Big man Cliff Omoruyi owned the glass for the Crimson Tide with 15 of Alabama’s 39 total rebounds.

 

Score updates, game highlights for Alabama basketball vs Kentucky

Late threes for Alabama basketball seal Kentucky sweep

A couple of late threes for USF transfer Chris Youngblood with a third and final 3-pointer from Mark Sears extended the Crimson Tide’s lead to 94-79.

 

Despite a hot start beyond the arc from Kentucky, Alabama ended up narrowly outshooting the ‘Cats from the perimeter, making 35% (11-for-31) of shots to about 34% for UK, who went 9-for-26.

 

Wildcats getting taken down by turnovers late

A Youngblood 3-pointer gave Alabama a 75-66 lead with 7:32 to play.

 

Like points in the paint, the Crimson Tide is dominating Kentucky in points off of turnovers with 19. Alabama has 13 turnovers to 11 for UK, but the ‘Cats have only scored nine points off of UA’s miscues.

 

Kentucky catching up to Crimson Tide with 10 minutes to go

What was an 11-point lead for Alabama has dwindled down to just one possession with a little over 10 minutes on the clock. Successful attempts from downtown for Sears and Aden Holloway would’ve been helpful, but both shots were denied by the rim and couldn’t answer UK forward Andrew Carr’s trey that saw the ‘Cats trail, 63-60.

 

Alabama starts second half with double-digit advantage

Finding nifty ways to draw fouls as usual, Sears put up five of Alabama’s six second-half points from the free throw line, continuing his perfect performance to give the Crimson Tide a 53-42 lead with 17 minutes to go.

 

Crimson Tide recovers for halftime lead over Kentucky

After splashing his fourth 3-pointer of the evening, a fired up Aden Holloway let out a scream and rushed into the arms of teammate Houston Mallette to celebrate. Despite shooting just about 26% beyond the arc in the first period, Alabama had just notched a 47-38 lead with 32.5 seconds to halftime.

 

To start the game, the Crimson Tide couldn’t buy a board if it wanted to. Heading into the locker room, Alabama is out-rebounding Kentucky 23-17 with seven on offense.

 

Jarin Stevenson reclaims lead for Alabama in first half

Fans in Coleman Coliseum held their breath after Jarin Stevenson got a defensive board and made his way for the basket. The pregnant pause exploded into a roaring cheer after the sophomore’s layup gave Alabama a 31-32 lead with 5:18 to halftime.

 

Making all four of its last field goal attempts, including shots for Mo Dioubate and Aden Holloway, Alabama has gone on a 20-4 run in the last five minutes.

 

Crimson Tide within three points of tying scoreboard vs Kentucky

To put Alabama just three points away from tying the scoreboard at 30, freshman Labaron Philon showed off his quick hands with a pass in the paint to Dioubate for a dunk. The Crimson Tide has 16 points in the paint with 7:18 to halftime. Meanwhile, Kentucky has 12 while shooting 50% from deep.

 

Aden Holloway not letting Wildcats run away with quick start

Holloway’s effort didn’t stop after another missed 3-pointer with about 12 minutes to go in the first period.

 

The Auburn transfer sprinted down the court for a board to regain possession for the Crimson Tide, which trails, 20-16, after another dunk from big man Clifford Omoruyi on the play with the assist from Philon.

 

Alabama getting killed by Kentucky rebounds early

The sophomore Holloway’s 3-point shot bounced off the rim and into the hands of Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, who found Brandon Garrison for a dunk on the fast-break with under 15 minutes to halftime.

 

The basket moved the lead to 20-9 for Kentucky, killing the Crimson Tide off the glass with seven rebounds to two for Alabama early.

 

Kentucky establishes first-half lead in Coleman Coliseum

Four 3-pointers for UK see the Cats with an early 14-6 lead in Coleman Coliseum. Andrew Carr wanted a chance to show fans what he looks like healthy against Alabama, and so far he’s shown out for a couple treys.

 

Mark Sears assist puts Alabama on the board

Kentucky won tip, but the Crimson Tide held the Cats scoreless until senior Mark Sears found Omoruyi, who dunked in Alabama’s first points of the game 29 seconds in.

 

The 2-0 lead marked Alabama’s first since Feb. 11 against the Longhorns.

 

Starting lineups announced for Crimson Tide vs Wildcats

Alabama returns its revised starting lineup of Labaron Philon, Mark Sears, Chris Youngblood, Grant Nelson and Cliff Omoruyi.

 

Kentucky starts Otega Oweh, Koby Brea, Travis Perry, Andrew Carr and Amari Williams.

 

What time does Alabama basketball vs Kentucky start today?

 

 

Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

 

What channel is Alabama basketball vs Kentucky today?

 

Alabama basketball versus Kentucky (18-8, 7-6 SEC) will be shown on ESPN. Dick Vitale and company will be on the call in Coleman Coliseum.

 

The Alabama-Kentucky broadcast can be streamed through ESPN+ and Fubo starting at 5 p.m. CT.

 

Alabama vs Kentucky betting odds

Here are the game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:

 

 

Injury updates for Alabama vs Kentucky

Freshman forward Derrion Reid (hamstring) is out. Houston Mallette (knees) and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (Achilles tendon) also remain on the bench. They could’ve been joined by Mark Sears, who was listed on Friday evening’s SEC availability report as probable, but came off the list prior to gametime.

 

Against Alabama, Kentucky starting guards Lamont Butler (shoulder) and Jaxson Robinson (wrist) will be unavailable for the third straight game. UK’s bench still holds Kerr Kriisa, who’s been out with a broken foot since December.

 

Next four games for Alabama basketball

Feb. 25: Mississippi State, 8 p.m. CT

Mar. 1: at Tennessee, 3 p.m. CT

Mar. 5: Florida, 6 p.m. CT

Mar. 8: at Auburn, 1 p.m. CT

Next four games for Kentucky basketball

Feb. 26: at Oklahoma, 8 p.m. CT

Mar. 1: Auburn, 12 p.m. CT

Mar. 4: LSU, 6 p.m. CT

Mar. 8: at Missouri, 11 a.m.

Alabama basketball in the headlines

Alabama expected to bounce back at Mizzou Arena, but Nate Oats said Crimson Tide players are “down on themselves” even more than they were with just the crushing loss to Auburn. Here are the latest headlines surrounding Alabama as it looks to get back in the win column:

 

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

 

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at

 

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Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian works with quarterback Jalen Hurts on Jan. 5, 2017, at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian works with quarterback Jalen Hurts on Jan. 5, 2017, at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility in Tuscaloosa. Vasha Hunt/

 

Steve Sarkisian tried to help Jalen Hurts win a CFP national championship at Alabama. That didn’t quite work out, so the current Texas coach was excited to see the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback come out on top in Super Bowl LIX.

 

“What Jalen’s been able to do in the NFL,” Sarkisian said during an appearance on FanDuelTV’s “Up and Adams,” “and watch his game grow and evolve as a leader and as a playmaker. Not only with his legs, but he used his arm huge in that game. But his legs showed up. Those scrambles were huge for, I think, over 70 yards rushing. Highly competitive guy.

 

“His dad’s still coaching high school football in Houston, so it’s pretty neat to see those guys evolve throughout their career.”

 

Sarkisian was working as an offensive analyst for the Crimson Tide when Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin took the job as the head coach of Florida Atlantic in December 2016. The plan was for Kiffin to complete the season with the Tide and Sarkisian to become Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2017.

 

But after the Tide’s 24-7 victory over Washington in the Peach Bowl in a CFP semifinal game on Dec. 31, 2016, Kiffin turned his full attention to FAU, putting Sarkisian in charge of Alabama’s offense for the national-title clash with Clemson on Jan. 9, 2017.

 

“That was a unique process,” Sarkisian said. “… It was a heck of a journey, so we go way back.”

 

Hurts won the SEC Offensive Player of the Year Award as a freshman in 2016, but Alabama came up short against Clemson when the Tigers scored a touchdown with one second to play for a 35-31 victory.

 

In Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, Hurts won the Pete Rozelle Trophy as the game’s most valuable player as Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.

 

Hurts wasn’t the only player who Sarkisian had worked with in college who got on the field in Super Bowl LIX.

 

Sarkisian did not work as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2017. Instead, he held that post for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 and 2018. Sarkisian returned to the Crimson Tide as offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020.

 

In 2020, Alabama won the CFP national championship with an undefeated record, and Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy.

 

Sarkisian became the head coach at Texas in 2021.

 

In Super Bowl LIX, Smith became the first former Alabama player to catch a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl and Xavier Worthy caught two touchdown passes to become the first former Texas player to score in the Super Bowl.

 

Smith scored on a 46-yard pass from Hurts for Philadelphia. Worthy had touchdown receptions of 24 and 50 yards for Kansas City.

 

“It was pretty cool to think the two receivers in that game, both leading receivers – guys who had played for us in our system,” Sarkisian said. “And so kind of a little feather in our cap. It helps in recruiting.”

 

 

 

Kalen DeBoer seems to like where Alabama football sits with spring practices approaching.

 

DeBoer joined “The Will Cain Show” on FOX News this week, and he gave his thoughts on the 2025 season and what it will take to contend for a national championship.

 

“We need to be that championship program,” DeBoer said. “That means you have to prepare at a championship level. Again, everything we’re doing, and this is the time you build your team, is in the offseason. Really proud of the way our guys continue to take everything we’ve learned, continued to grow. We’re a year into it now, and it just feels completely different.”

 

DeBoer mentioned how a year ago today, Alabama was still trying to fill multiple assistant coaching openings.

 

“We’re in a much better position,” DeBoer said.

 

But DeBoer noted that Alabama putting in the work remains paramount.

 

“I like where we’re headed,” DeBoer said.

 

 

 

The University of Alabama has granted exclusive, unrestricted access to the Crimson Tide football program for a new docuseries The Tides That Bind: Inside Alabama Football, premiering Feb. 19 on FOX Nation. This landmark series offers fans an inside, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most significant seasons in Alabama history.

 

The Tides That Bind captures the Crimson Tide’s first season following the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban, chronicling the team’s evolution under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. The docuseries provides an intimate look at the student-athletes, coaches and staff as they navigate a year of change, while honoring the tradition and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Alabama football.

 

“Alabama football’s legacy is unparalleled, and this partnership allows fans to see what goes into wearing the crimson and white,” DeBoer said. “This is more than just a football story – it is a look at the passion and culture that surrounds this program. It also gives viewers a look inside the team and what we embody, including the discipline and resilience that define this program.”

 

From preseason workouts to the high-stakes moments of the 2024 season, The Tides That Bind brings viewers into the heart of Alabama football, capturing the passion and commitment that fuel the team’s continued success. Through exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and never-before-seen footage, the series honors the rich tradition and future of the program.

 

“Alabama football is one of the most storied programs in all of sports, with a legacy of success that transcends any single player or era,” said director and producer John Henion. “Its winning tradition is built on a culture that has endured for generations. With the support of the Athletics Department and Coach DeBoer, we wanted to embrace present-tense storytelling while exploring the fundamental tenets that have made this program so successful.”

 

 

Alex Ward, a 2027 defensive back prospect from Marietta, Georgia, has committed to play football at Alabama.

Ward impressed Alabama coaches at a camp, even with a cast on his hand, and committed to the Crimson Tide during a game day visit.

Ward comes from a football family, with his older brother currently playing at Jackson State and another brother being a highly recruited receiver in the 2026 class.

His coaches believe he has the potential to be one of the best cornerbacks in the nation for his class, praising his maturity, athleticism, and football IQ.

Alex Ward only needed one hand to secure an Alabama football offer.

 

The 2027 Marietta, Georgia, defensive back had a torn tendon in his middle finger when he first camped in front of Alabama defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist in June. With a cast on one hand, and at times with that hand behind his back, Ward was still able to make a statement, even recording an interception during one-on-one drills.

 

That day was overwhelming, Ward remembered, getting an offer from the college football program he considered as a favorite even before his recruitment started.

 

“I was very happy, excited,” Ward told the Tuscaloosa News. “I cried when I got home.”

 

Months later, Ward was on the sideline at Bryant-Denny Stadium before Alabama faced Mercer, his first gameday experience. It felt like home, he said, and was enough for him to pull Linguist aside and commit to the Crimson Tide’s 2027 class on the spot.

 

“The opportunity felt like family just accepting me,” Ward said.

 

Ward knows what he is getting into when it comes to Alabama.

 

The Crimson Tide plays hard and is filled with “winners” and competitors. he said. Alabama knows how to develop its players, calling the program’s main goal to “get everybody to the next level.”

 

None of that is new to Ward. It’s the kind of football Ward had always known.

 

Alex Ward path to Alabama football

Mar 21, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama co-defensive coordinator Maurice Linguist directs players during practice at the University Alabama Thursday.

In the Ward family, college football is a rite of passage.

 

Alex Ward is the middle child. His oldest brother, Jace, plays linebacker for Jackson State. His older brother, Christian, is going through the recruiting process as a 2026 four-star receiver, holding offers from programs like Alabama, LSU and Georgia.

 

Alex Ward, like his brothers, was born with a football placed in his hands by his father, Jasen, who saw a future defensive back and wide receiver almost immediately with the good hands, the quick twitch and a strong, muscular build.

 

As his son grew, Jasen said, Alex became a student of football, one who studies the tendencies of each player he’s assigned to cover.

 

“I taught him things like, ‘Hey, first you got to be the best kid in the neighborhood. Then you got to be the best kid in your area. Then you work your way up to being the best kid in the region and in the country,’” Jasen Ward said. “So that’s just been kind of his path and goal, to show everybody that he’s the best at what he does, and he’s passionate about it. And that God’s kind of given him this gift to play football.”

 

By the time Alex Ward came to Walton High School, he oozed maturity, pairing length and athleticism with instinctiveness, IQ and a seriousness many high school football players did not share.

 

“A lot of kids that age can’t turn it on and turn it off,” Walton football recruiting coordinator Monty Bumper said. “He can actually turn it on and turn it off.”

 

Ward learned from the best, calling former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman his mentor. It was Norman who taught the 2027 prospect how important the mental side of football is, especially as a defensive back.

 

“Everybody would always think, ‘Oh you got to be the fastest, you got to be the strongest’ to get somewhere. … It’s really mental,” Ward said. “It’s the mental part of the game because the older you get, everybody (is) going to be fast, everybody (is) going to be strong. So you got to understand the mental part now so you’ll be ahead of everybody.”

 

Could Alex Ward be the “best cornerback’ in 2027 recruiting class?

Walton football coach Daniel Brunner views Ward as a prospect who is already ahead of everybody.

 

As a defensive back, Brunner said Ward doesn’t fit the reputation of being a wide receiver who “can’t catch.”

 

Ward, who plays both ways at Walton, can turn pass breakups into interceptions, someone Brunner considers as one of the best cover cornerbacks in the country.

 

“It’s nice to have him out there because you know that side of the field can be pretty much eliminated,” Brunner said. “He’s got a chance to be the best cornerback in the nation in his class. I truly believe that.”

 

Alabama believes that, with its coaches telling Brunner that the “sky’s the limit” for a prospect like Ward, someone who is “not even close” to what he could become at the next level.

 

For Ward, that development is where Linguist comes in.

 

“He’s a great DB coach,” Ward said. “He’s just honest with you up front. Not going to lie to you in your face. He’s going to push you and just tell you and ask you if you want to get here, what can I do to help you get there?”

 

That’s what football is to Ward: a stage where he can showcase his talent, to show who he is as a person both on and off the field. It’s why he chose to commit to Alabama so early, standing on the sideline with Linguist before the Mercer game.

 

Brunner shares Alabama’s excitement for what Ward has been able to do. And Brunner knows what Ward has the capability of doing with two seasons left at Walton.

 

“I just hope we can get him as far down this road as we possibly can before he gets to (Alabama),” Brunner said. “Because, if that’s the case, he can have a chance to play as a freshman.”

 

 

Touchdown Alabama
Alabama football’s freshman quarterback, Keelon Russell, is excited to have Ryan Grubb back in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.

Grubb has officially returned to Tuscaloosa after a brief period with the Tide during Kalen DeBoer’s hiring and a year as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. He’s now back working under DeBoer, with whom he spent two years at Washington.

Russell believes this move will greatly benefit him and Alabama’s offense.

“What he did with Michael Penix, it’s legendary,” Russell said, according to ON3’s Nick Schultz. “I’m excited…the offense about to be unstoppable this year. We’re about to be great.”

The Crimson Tide have a quarterback competition underway, and Russell sees this as a chance to make an impact in his first year.

The five-star recruit is currently an early enrollee with the Tide and participating in Alabama’s off-season program.