“Stacked Backfield: Predicting Alabama’s Top Two Running Backs for the 2025 Season Opener at Florida State”
The countdown is officially on—137 days until Alabama and Florida State collide in Tallahassee to kick off the 2025 college football season. A matchup brimming with hype, talent, and national implications will set the tone for the Crimson Tide’s new campaign. And while all eyes are on the quarterback situation and a reloaded defense, one of the most intriguing storylines emerging from Tuscaloosa this offseason revolves around the running back depth chart. With spring practices wrapped and summer workouts around the corner, it’s time to take a serious look at who will emerge as Alabama’s top two ball carriers when the Tide take the field on August 30.
Alabama’s legacy at running back is storied—Heisman winners like Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram, bruisers like Najee Harris, and versatile threats like Jahmyr Gibbs have all suited up in crimson. In 2025, the baton is being passed once again, and there’s no shortage of talent in the backfield. But talent alone doesn’t win snaps. Experience, performance in key moments, and scheme fit under new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. will all factor into who lines up first behind the quarterback in Tallahassee.
To start, there are three names that should immediately be in the mix for the top two spots: Jam Miller, Justice Haynes, and Richard Young. And while all three offer their own dynamic skill sets, Miller and Haynes seem to have separated themselves ever so slightly as the top contenders.
Jam Miller has quietly been biding his time in Tuscaloosa, waiting for his moment. A veteran in the room now, he brings SEC game experience and has consistently shown flashes of brilliance in limited opportunities. He’s the kind of runner that doesn’t need 20 carries to impact a game—he just needs a crease. Miller’s vision has steadily improved, and he runs with deceptive power despite his size. His top-end speed allows him to hit the second level with burst, and he’s learned how to be more patient behind his blockers.
One of Miller’s biggest strengths is his trustworthiness—he knows the offense, he protects the ball, and he can pick up blitzes in pass protection. Those are the kind of traits that coaching staffs love when opening a season on the road in hostile environments. Add in his leadership and locker room presence, and it’s no stretch to see Miller being RB1 when Alabama takes the field in Doak Campbell Stadium.
Then there’s Justice Haynes—a name Alabama fans have been buzzing about since he arrived as a five-star recruit in the 2023 class. Haynes is a complete back in every sense. He combines agility, toughness, and an elite football IQ. While he might not yet have Miller’s experience, Haynes offers arguably more upside as both a runner and receiver. His freshman season gave glimpses of his ability to make defenders miss in the open field and grind out tough yards between the tackles. He’s slippery yet strong, and he’s got that innate feel for the position that can’t be taught.
Haynes has spent the offseason bulking up and refining his pass-catching skills, and insiders say he’s had an exceptional spring. The competition in Alabama’s running back room has always been fierce, but Haynes has responded with maturity and fire. If Miller brings steadiness and explosiveness, Haynes brings flair and versatility. He’s the kind of back that can score from anywhere, and he gives Alabama’s offense another gear when he’s on the field.
Richard Young, while perhaps a touch behind in the current pecking order, isn’t to be forgotten. The former elite recruit has the raw tools to push for a breakout season. He’s strong, compact, and runs violently—a downhill punisher who could earn a valuable role in short-yardage or red-zone packages. Young is still putting all the pieces together, and there’s no question he’ll be part of the rotation, especially if Alabama leans into a running back-by-committee approach early in the season.
Still, if we’re talking about who’s most likely to be at the top of the depth chart, it’s hard to argue against Miller and Haynes. These two seem to complement each other perfectly—Miller with his explosiveness and experience, and Haynes with his versatility and game-breaking ability. Charlie Weis Jr.’s offense is expected to incorporate more spread principles, opening up space for backs to operate in the flat and as slot receivers. That could be a massive advantage for Haynes, who has proven capable of lining up anywhere on the field and creating mismatches.
The challenge for Alabama will be managing these talented backs in a way that keeps them fresh while allowing them to find rhythm. Running backs often need several touches to get into a groove, and if the Tide opt for a true rotation, it’ll take discipline and strategic play-calling to get the most out of each player.
One potential wrinkle in this competition is how the quarterback battle shakes out. If Alabama leans on a younger or less experienced signal-caller, the running game will become even more important to stabilize the offense. That favors a player like Miller, who can shoulder a larger early-season load. But if the offense opens up and becomes more pass-oriented, Haynes’ pass-catching prowess and ability to create mismatches will make him indispensable.
Let’s not forget the offensive line either—often the unsung heroes in determining a back’s success. Alabama’s O-line is undergoing a bit of a retool, but early reports suggest the unit has gelled quickly this spring. A strong front five makes life easier for any back, and the better the protection, the more options Alabama has to keep the defense guessing.
Ultimately, when the Crimson Tide run out onto the field in Tallahassee on August 30, expect a healthy dose of both Miller and Haynes. Nick Saban has always favored a power run game, and while Kalen DeBoer brings his own flavor to the offense, the tradition of tough, physical running remains. Miller may get the ceremonial first carry—he’s earned that nod with his patience and production—but Haynes will likely see an equal or even greater share of the touches as the game unfolds.
The real beauty of Alabama’s current backfield isn’t just who’s RB1 or RB2—it’s the flexibility and depth they bring to the table. Few programs can rotate two or even three future NFL-caliber backs in and out without skipping a beat. And in a grueling SEC schedule, that depth is a luxury. Injuries, attrition, and the physical toll of the season demand multiple contributors, and Alabama is built to withstand that pressure.
Looking ahead beyond Week 1, the rotation will evolve. Young could emerge with a statement game and force the staff to expand his role. A true freshman could surprise during fall camp and steal a few snaps. But for now, as the summer draws closer and anticipation builds, the smart money is on Jam Miller and Justice Haynes to lead the charge in the Tide’s backfield.
It’s going to be a war in Tallahassee—make no mistake about it. Florida State will be fired up, with a raucous crowd and a revenge mindset. Alabama’s going to need every inch of its ground game to take control, and that means trusting its backs to carry the weight.
So, who’s going to be No. 1 and No. 2 on the depth chart when the Tide roll into Doak Campbell? My bet: Miller gets the nod to open the game, and Haynes gets the ball when it matters most. Two elite talents, one shared goal—bring Alabama back to the top of the college football mountain. And it all starts in 137 days.
