Alabama Sends Strong Warning to SEC Rivals After 11 Crimson Tide Stars Named to 2025 Preseason All-SEC Football Teams
Alabama football may be undergoing a transition at the head coaching position, but its presence at the top of the college football world remains intact. With 11 Crimson Tide players named to the 2025 Preseason All-SEC teams, Alabama has sent a loud and clear message to the rest of the Southeastern Conference: the standard hasn’t changed, and the expectations haven’t dropped. The names honored reflect more than individual excellence—they reflect depth, discipline, and a program that continues to reload with elite talent rather than rebuild.
Each of these 11 players earned their preseason honors through consistent production, standout performances in 2024, and expectations for even greater output in the upcoming season. From dynamic offensive playmakers to bruising defenders and reliable special teams contributors, Alabama’s preseason All-SEC selections cover nearly every unit on the field. Their inclusion sets the stage for what could be another run to the SEC Championship and possibly the expanded College Football Playoff.
Leading the way is quarterback Jalen Milroe, who was named to the Preseason All-SEC First Team. Milroe enters the 2025 season as one of the most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. After passing for more than 3,500 yards and rushing for another 800 in 2024, Milroe proved he was much more than a stopgap quarterback—he became a true leader and centerpiece of Alabama’s offensive resurgence. Now under Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, Milroe is expected to take another leap forward, with a system that maximizes his arm strength and mobility. His leadership, composure under pressure, and ability to break open a game with a single play make him one of the most dangerous players in the SEC.
Protecting Milroe on the offensive line are two fellow All-SEC honorees: Kadyn Proctor, named to the First Team at left tackle, and Parker Brailsford, who earned a Second Team nod at center. Proctor’s return to Alabama after briefly entering the transfer portal was one of the biggest wins of the offseason. His presence on the blind side gives Milroe security, while also providing a foundation for the Tide’s running game. Proctor’s size, footwork, and understanding of pass sets make him a likely future first-round NFL Draft pick.
Brailsford, on the other hand, is the cerebral leader of the offensive line. Having transferred from Washington with Grubb and DeBoer, he quickly became a trusted voice in the huddle. His communication skills, quick hands, and ability to recognize blitzes give the Tide an edge in pre-snap adjustments. Together, Proctor and Brailsford represent the physical and mental toughness required to succeed in the SEC trenches.
In the backfield, Justice Haynes earned a spot on the Second Team after flashing brilliance as a freshman in 2024. The son of former NFL running back Verron Haynes, Justice combines power, vision, and burst to create a complete skillset. His role is expected to expand significantly in 2025 as Alabama leans on its run game to keep defenses honest and open up vertical shots for Milroe and the receivers. Haynes rushed for over 800 yards last season on limited touches, and if he remains healthy, a 1,500-yard season is well within reach.
One of Milroe’s top targets, Isaiah Bond, made the Third Team at wide receiver. Bond has gradually evolved into a polished route-runner and a reliable playmaker in clutch situations. His chemistry with Milroe was apparent in 2024, particularly in big games where Bond consistently got open on critical downs. His speed and ability to stretch the field vertically make him a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. Bond will be joined by a loaded receiver room that includes phenom sophomore Ryan Williams, who just narrowly missed out on preseason honors but is expected to make waves this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama is once again anchored by experience and talent at all three levels. At linebacker, Deontae Lawson and edge rusher Dallas Turner both received First Team All-SEC recognition. Lawson, a seasoned veteran in the middle, brings stability and leadership to the heart of the defense. He has a knack for diagnosing plays, making quick reads, and delivering punishing hits. His ability to lead the defense on the field makes him the defensive counterpart to Milroe’s offensive leadership.
Turner, on the other hand, is Alabama’s premier pass rusher. Coming off a season in which he posted 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, Turner is widely viewed as one of the top edge defenders in the country. His speed around the edge, coupled with an increasingly refined arsenal of pass-rush moves, makes him a weekly matchup problem. Turner is expected to anchor a defense that prides itself on getting pressure without needing to blitz heavily.
In the secondary, Alabama is represented by two veterans: Malachi Moore and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Moore, named to the First Team, returns for his fifth season and is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the nation. Whether he’s lined up at safety, nickel, or corner, Moore’s instincts and football IQ allow him to be in the right place at the right time. He brings leadership, experience, and physicality to a secondary that lost some key contributors in the offseason.
McKinstry, named to the Second Team, is a proven lockdown corner who has faced the best the SEC has to offer. His ball skills, anticipation, and technique have made him a staple in Alabama’s defense since he arrived on campus. With another strong season, McKinstry could find himself rising up NFL draft boards as one of the top corners available.
On special teams, Will Reichard and James Burnip both made the Preseason All-SEC team, showing that Alabama’s attention to detail extends to every phase of the game. Reichard, who is now the NCAA’s all-time leader in points scored, earned a First Team nod. He’s been a model of consistency, converting clutch field goals and providing Alabama with a reliable scoring weapon in pressure-packed moments. Burnip, the veteran punter from Australia, was named to the Third Team. His ability to flip the field and pin opponents deep in their own territory is a hidden weapon that often goes unnoticed by casual fans but is deeply appreciated by coaches.
Taken together, these 11 All-SEC honorees provide Alabama with one of the most balanced and experienced rosters in the country. They represent a mix of veteran leadership, rising stars, and positional dominance that few teams in the SEC—or the nation—can match. Each of them brings a unique skill set to the table, and collectively, they form the backbone of a Crimson Tide team that refuses to lower the bar despite coaching changes and increased competition across the league.
What’s more impressive is that Alabama still has several players who could easily find their way onto postseason All-SEC teams. Wide receiver Ryan Williams, defensive lineman James Smith, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and tight end Amari Niblack are all poised for breakout seasons. This depth ensures that Alabama won’t simply rely on its preseason stars—they’ll continue to develop and rotate elite talent throughout the year.
In an SEC that is becoming more competitive with each passing season—especially with Texas and Oklahoma joining the fold—Alabama’s presence on the Preseason All-SEC teams is a firm reminder that the Crimson Tide are still the benchmark. Programs like Georgia, LSU, and Texas may be pushing hard to claim their stake in the spotlight, but Alabama’s hold on national relevance remains as strong as ever.
The 2025 season presents new challenges and unknowns, particularly with a new head coach at the helm and a different postseason structure in place with the expanded 12-team playoff. But Alabama’s identity remains unchanged: elite preparation, relentless competition, and unwavering expectations. These 11 All-SEC players are the embodiment of that identity, and they enter the season knowing that preseason recognition means nothing without postseason success.
Still, it’s a significant sign of respect—and a warning shot to the rest of the SEC. Alabama isn’t going anywhere. The names may change, but the dominance remains. With talent at every level and a locker room full of hungry leaders, the Crimson Tide are ready to prove once again why they wear the crown—and why they won’t give it up without a fight.
