Alabama Football’s Emerging Stars: Top Breakout Candidates Discussed on The Joe Gaither Show as 2025 Season Approaches Fast
As the summer sun rises over Tuscaloosa, Alabama football fans are already setting their sights on the 2025 season. Coming off another competitive campaign in the SEC, the Crimson Tide remain in transition mode, adjusting to changes in personnel, leadership, and identity. But as always in the Nick Saban—or now Kalen DeBoer—era, Alabama reloads instead of rebuilds. One of the most popular topics across Tide nation right now is which young or previously underutilized players will rise to the occasion and become breakout stars.
On a recent episode of The Joe Gaither Show, several names surfaced during an insightful discussion about Alabama’s most intriguing breakout candidates for the upcoming season. Gaither, a long-time observer of Alabama athletics, used his platform to dissect potential difference-makers on both sides of the ball. The episode, which drew hundreds of live listeners and many more post-stream viewers, gave fans a glimpse at the next wave of Crimson Tide greatness.
Among the most talked-about names was sophomore wide receiver Jalen Hale. A former four-star recruit out of Texas, Hale showed flashes during his freshman campaign in 2024. With elite ball skills and deceptive top-end speed, he emerged as a deep-threat option late in the season. Now, with top receivers like Jermaine Burton off to the NFL and Isaiah Bond transferring to Texas, Hale has a real shot to become Alabama’s go-to target in the vertical passing game. Gaither emphasized Hale’s natural ability to win contested catches and said he has “all the tools to be a thousand-yard receiver if Alabama’s new offense leans on him.”
The offensive discussion quickly moved to quarterback, where the Tide appear to be moving forward with Jalen Milroe for one more season. While Milroe is no longer an unknown, the discussion on The Joe Gaither Show shifted toward his backups, especially redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan. A standout from Georgia, Lonergan is said to have the sharpest arm in the room and has impressed with his poise and preparation. Should Milroe falter or get injured, Lonergan might quickly become a household name. Gaither noted that several inside sources believe Lonergan is “ahead of schedule” and could push for meaningful snaps in mop-up duty or spot starts if needed.
The running back position also drew attention, particularly with the departure of Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams. Jam Miller, who’s already been in the system for multiple years, is expected to handle the bulk of the early workload. But Gaither highlighted Justice Haynes as the back most likely to “pop” this season. Haynes, a legacy prospect and one of the highest-ranked running backs in the 2023 class, possesses a rare blend of vision, burst, and contact balance. He’s been compared to former Tide greats like Josh Jacobs and Mark Ingram due to his versatility. According to Gaither, “Haynes just needs consistent touches to show what he can do—and that opportunity is here now.”
Shifting to the trenches, the offensive line is undergoing a shakeup following the exit of JC Latham and Seth McLaughlin. Gaither’s co-host for the day, former Alabama lineman Ryan Norwood, pointed to Kadyn Proctor’s potential return after briefly transferring to Iowa as a key domino in the unit’s success. However, one breakout candidate that Gaither was especially high on is sophomore offensive guard Wilkin Formby. A local product from Tuscaloosa, Formby redshirted his first year but has added strength and improved his technique. “He’s been dominant in spring ball, and the coaching staff loves his motor,” Gaither said. If Formby secures a starting job, he could become a fan favorite for his physical style and homegrown roots.
On the defensive side, the edge rusher position is drawing considerable attention. With Dallas Turner now gone, there’s a void to fill when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Two names were mentioned with regularity: Keon Keeley and Yhonzae Pierre. Keeley, a former five-star recruit from Florida, saw limited snaps last season but has the ideal frame and first-step explosiveness to become a pass-rushing terror. Pierre, meanwhile, is a more compact and twitchy player, drawing some comparisons to former Tide sack artist Tim Williams. Gaither expressed confidence that at least one of them will “break into the rotation and finish the season with at least five sacks.”
The linebacker corps remains a strength, but even within a talented unit, there’s room for someone to break out. Sophomore linebacker Jihaad Campbell might be that guy. He played sparingly in 2024 but showed good instincts and sideline-to-sideline range in the spring game. Now with Deontae Lawson entering his final season, Campbell could become the next alpha in the middle of the defense. Gaither praised Campbell’s football IQ and noted that “he’s become more vocal and is starting to take command during pre-snap reads, which is a sign the coaching staff trusts him.”
Perhaps the most competitive area for breakout buzz is in the secondary. With Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold both headed to the NFL, the Crimson Tide must identify new leaders on the back end. Gaither zeroed in on Earl Little Jr. as the top breakout candidate among defensive backs. A third-year player who has patiently waited his turn, Little offers versatility as a nickel or outside corner. “He’s got elite hips, long arms, and finally, a clear path to starting reps,” Gaither said. Another name to watch is sophomore safety Tony Mitchell, whose length and athleticism make him a potential chess piece in dime packages. He’s received glowing praise from new defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist and could be a turnover machine if he stays healthy.
Special teams were also briefly discussed, with freshman kicker Conor Talty highlighted as someone who could stabilize the Tide’s kicking game after inconsistent performances last year. Gaither said Talty’s “been nails from 45-plus in practice” and could bring reliability to what’s been a rollercoaster position group in recent years.
One of the broader themes of The Joe Gaither Show episode was the idea that Alabama is entering a new identity phase under head coach Kalen DeBoer. While DeBoer inherits one of the nation’s most storied and talent-rich programs, his system differs significantly from Saban’s. That creates openings for fresh faces to thrive, especially if they fit DeBoer’s scheme better than their predecessors. This transitional moment is why breakout candidates aren’t just welcome—they’re necessary.
Gaither also pointed out the importance of leadership among the new breakout players. “It’s not just about making plays,” he said. “It’s about stepping into a void that naturally appears when stars like McKinstry, Turner, and McClellan move on. Somebody has to be the voice. Somebody has to be the heartbeat.” That leadership, Gaither argued, might be the true differentiator between a good Alabama team and a championship Alabama team.
The comments section and call-in portion of the show reflected the excitement. Fans mentioned other potential names, like defensive tackle James Smith, tight end Ty Lockwood, and even wide receiver Cole Adams. It’s a testament to Alabama’s depth that so many breakout possibilities exist. As Gaither concluded, “At Alabama, the next man up isn’t just a saying. It’s a mindset—and there’s always a next man ready to explode.”
With the 2025 season just a few months away, the speculation around Alabama’s breakout stars will only grow louder. But thanks to insightful coverage from outlets like The Joe Gaither Show, fans are getting a clearer picture of the emerging talent that could shape the next era of Crimson Tide football. Whether it’s Hale streaking down the sideline for a touchdown, Haynes slipping through tackles, or Keeley blowing up a third-and-long, Alabama has no shortage of players ready to rise. The only question now is: who will seize the moment first?
