Malachi Moore, a former defensive back for Alabama Football from Trussville, Alabama, has big news as he ends an incredible run today.
When Malachi Moore first stepped on campus at the University of Alabama in 2020, fans from Trussville to Tuscaloosa believed they were witnessing the next great Crimson Tide defensive back. Four years later, Moore has not only lived up to those expectations — he has surpassed them. Now, as he closes one chapter of his football journey, he is making big news that will shape the next phase of his career.
On Sunday afternoon, Moore officially announced that he is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, closing the book on one of the most steady and resilient careers in Alabama football history. After battling through injuries, position changes, coaching turnover, and the always-massive expectations that come with wearing the script “A” on his helmet, Moore leaves Tuscaloosa with his head high, his resume full, and his name permanently etched into the hearts of Alabama fans.
Born and raised in Trussville, Alabama — just a short drive from Bryant-Denny Stadium — Moore grew up dreaming of suiting up for the Crimson Tide. His journey from local standout at Hewitt-Trussville High School to beloved Alabama leader is the classic story of homegrown success.
Moore was a four-star prospect coming out of high school, widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. He committed to Nick Saban’s program early in the recruiting process, drawn by the combination of tradition, opportunity, and the chance to learn from the greatest college football coach of all time.
From day one, Moore made it clear he belonged. As a true freshman in 2020, thrust into a starting role during the COVID-altered season, he showed poise, intelligence, and a knack for being around the football that set him apart. He finished that year with three interceptions, six pass breakups, and 44 tackles, earning Freshman All-American honors.
If his freshman year was marked by flashes of brilliance, the rest of Moore’s career was defined by resilience.
Injuries threatened to derail his sophomore campaign in 2021. A nagging back issue and other bumps and bruises limited his mobility and effectiveness, but Moore refused to use those challenges as an excuse. He still appeared in 13 games, making critical plays and providing veteran leadership in a young secondary.
By his junior and senior seasons, Moore had transitioned into a do-it-all player for Alabama’s defense. Whether lining up at nickelback, corner, or safety, Moore provided the versatility Nick Saban and defensive coordinators Pete Golding and Kevin Steele valued deeply.
Off the field, he became a steady voice in the locker room. Coaches praised his work ethic and maturity, noting that Moore led more by example than by volume. Younger players, including future stars like Caleb Downs and Trey Amos, often credited Moore for teaching them the subtleties of the Alabama defense and what it meant to uphold the Tide’s elite standard.
“Malachi’s one of those guys you dream about coaching,” one assistant said in 2023. “He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s unselfish. Every team needs a Malachi Moore.”
While Moore’s consistency was a major hallmark of his career, there was no shortage of big-time moments.
In his very first game as a freshman, he recorded his first career interception against Texas A&M, setting the tone for a breakout season. Later that year, he forced a fumble against Mississippi State that Alabama returned for a touchdown, showcasing his playmaking instincts.
As a junior, he made arguably one of the biggest plays of the 2022 season when he intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter against Ole Miss, preserving a critical road victory during Alabama’s playoff push.
And who could forget his performances against archrival Auburn? Moore always seemed to save his best for the Iron Bowl, including a 2023 game where he registered two sacks and forced a key fourth-quarter fumble that swung momentum back to Alabama.
In total, Moore finishes his college career with:
- 9 interceptions
- 24 passes defended
- 7 forced fumbles
- 5 sacks
- Over 180 tackles
Beyond the stats, he leaves a legacy as a player who always rose to the moment, no matter how big the stage.
Moore’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft was hardly a surprise to those close to the program. After four years of elite competition and steady growth, Moore is widely viewed as a player who will fit in immediately at the professional level.
At 6-foot, 200 pounds, Moore offers the kind of positional flexibility that NFL teams covet. He can play inside against the slot, match up against tight ends, and help in run support. Scouts praise his football IQ, instincts, and toughness — attributes that often translate better to the NFL than pure athleticism alone.
Some early projections have Moore being selected anywhere from the late second to the early fourth round, depending on team needs and his pre-draft process. His performance at the NFL Combine and in interviews will go a long way toward determining his final draft spot.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Moore thanked the Alabama coaching staff, his teammates, and the fans for their unwavering support:
“I gave everything I had to this program, and in return, it gave me memories and relationships that will last a lifetime. Alabama will always be home. I’m ready to chase my dream of playing at the next level. Roll Tide forever.”
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who retired after the 2023 season, spoke glowingly of Moore during his final months on the sideline.
“Malachi’s exactly what you hope for when you recruit a young man to Alabama,” Saban said. “He’s tough, he’s coachable, and he represents everything we want our program to be about. He’s going to have a long career ahead of him.”
New head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over in 2024, also praised Moore’s leadership during the coaching transition.
“Malachi was a rock for us this past year,” DeBoer said. “Any time you come into a new situation, you need guys you can lean on to bridge the gap between the old and the new. Malachi did that perfectly. I can’t wait to see what he does at the next level.”
It’s one thing to play well. It’s another thing to leave a program better than you found it. That’s exactly what Moore did.
In the locker room, his commitment to preparation, study, and selflessness set a blueprint for future defensive backs. On the field, his clutch plays in critical games helped keep Alabama in national championship contention year after year.
Perhaps most importantly, Moore’s decision to stay at Alabama through adversity — rather than transfer like so many other players in the portal era — speaks volumes about his character. It’s rare today for a player to stay at one school for four full years, fight through injuries, adapt to multiple coaching staffs, and still exit with universal respect.
Fans will remember the big interceptions and the crushing hits, but they’ll also remember the humility, the quiet leadership, and the steady hand Moore provided during one of the most transitional periods in Alabama football history.Now, the focus shifts to preparing for the NFL Draft.
Moore has already signed with an agency, one that has experience representing high-level defensive backs. Over the next few months, he’ll train rigorously, focusing on speed drills, agility, and fine-tuning his technique for the Combine and pro day events.
Several NFL teams have reportedly already expressed strong interest in Moore, including the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers — all organizations known for valuing intelligent, versatile defensive backs.
If Moore tests well and interviews as smoothly as expected, he could rise up draft boards quickly.
Regardless of where he’s picked, one thing is certain: some NFL team will be getting a player with elite instincts, unmatched toughness, and a true passion for the game.
As he officially leaves Alabama, Moore’s story is a reminder that greatness isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, it’s the quiet grind, the steady growth, and the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines a player’s legacy.
Malachi Moore’s name may never be the loudest when fans debate the greatest Alabama defensive backs. But ask those inside the program — the coaches, the teammates, the trainers — and you’ll hear a common sentiment: Moore was the heartbeat of the Tide defense during his time.
Today, as he closes one incredible chapter and sets out to write the next, Alabama fans everywhere tip their caps and say thank you.
