Following the 2025 A-Day spring game, Alabama football fans will be discussing these five players.

The dust has settled at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the 2025 A-Day spring game gave Alabama fans their first real look at what the Kalen DeBoer era could look like in Tuscaloosa. While it was just a spring scrimmage, a handful of Crimson Tide players gave the fan base plenty to talk about heading into the summer months.

In a game filled with flashes of offensive creativity, defensive tenacity, and a clear glimpse into the evolving identity of the program post-Nick Saban, five players stood out as the most discussed and buzzworthy names among Alabama faithful.

Whether it was a breakout performance, confirmation of offseason hype, or a surprising emergence from the depth chart, these five players made sure their names would be circulating on message boards, talk radio, and social media long after the final whistle.

1. Julian Sayin – The Future Starts Now

It didn’t take long for five-star freshman quarterback Julian Sayin to validate the hype. Though he was going against mostly second-string defenders, Sayin displayed poise in the pocket, smooth footwork, and an advanced understanding of the playbook for a player who should still be in high school.

Sayin finished the afternoon 14-of-21 for 195 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His chemistry with young receivers like Ryan Williams and Jalen Hale was unmistakable, and he never seemed rattled, even when under pressure.

While Jalen Milroe remains the entrenched starter heading into fall camp, Sayin’s performance will have fans dreaming about the future—and wondering just how soon that future will arrive. His ability to make every throw, particularly the deep ball, had some fans whispering comparisons to Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young.

Sayin has firmly planted himself as QB2 heading into the summer, and if anything were to happen to Milroe, it’s clear Alabama’s offense would be in confident hands.

“He processes fast, he gets the ball out fast, and he’s already got command,” one assistant coach reportedly told local media. “He’s going to be special.”

2. Justice Haynes – RB1 in the Making

With Jase McClellan gone to the NFL and Roydell Williams testing the waters as a draft-eligible senior, Alabama fans have been curious about who will become the new bell-cow in the backfield.

If A-Day was any indication, the answer might be Justice Haynes.

The sophomore running back looked electric every time he touched the ball. Haynes rushed for 89 yards on 12 carries, adding a 28-yard touchdown run that had fans on their feet. He also caught three passes for 35 yards, showing off the kind of dual-threat ability that makes him a perfect fit for DeBoer’s offensive scheme.

Haynes’ vision, balance, and acceleration were on full display, but it was his toughness between the tackles that left the biggest impression. Despite his flashy moves, he didn’t shy away from contact, often finishing runs by lowering his shoulder into would-be tacklers.

Alabama has long had a reputation for churning out NFL-caliber running backs, and Haynes looks like the next man up in that tradition.

“That kid’s got it all,” former Tide great Mark Ingram said during the broadcast. “He’s going to be a household name this year.”

3. Malik Benson – A Star Emerges at WR

There’s been a lot of talk about how Alabama’s wide receiver room hasn’t been quite the same since the departures of Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Jameson Williams. But after Saturday, it looks like Malik Benson is ready to carry that mantle.

The JUCO transfer had a relatively quiet 2024 campaign, but his performance at A-Day was impossible to ignore. Benson caught six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, consistently creating separation against both first- and second-team cornerbacks.

His 52-yard touchdown reception from Milroe in the second quarter showcased his straight-line speed and ability to track the deep ball—traits Alabama fans have been longing to see from their No. 1 receiver.

What stood out more than anything was Benson’s route-running polish and his rapport with Milroe. The duo looked completely in sync, suggesting that Benson could become Milroe’s go-to target in critical situations.

“We challenged Malik this offseason to become ‘that guy,’” wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard told reporters. “He responded like a pro.”

If Benson continues this trajectory, he could be Alabama’s next first-round receiver.

4. Keon Keeley – A Problem Off the Edge

While the offensive stars often dominate spring game headlines, Keon Keeley made sure the defense got its moment in the spotlight.

The former five-star edge rusher was a menace all day long. Keeley recorded three sacks, multiple pressures, and disrupted several plays before they could even develop. His blend of length, quickness, and strength off the edge was simply too much for Alabama’s second-team offensive tackles to handle.

It’s clear that defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has big plans for Keeley, who lined up in a variety of spots throughout the scrimmage. Whether standing up as an outside linebacker or with his hand in the dirt, Keeley looked like a future first-rounder.

With Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell off to the NFL, Alabama needs a new wave of pass-rushers to emerge. Keeley looked every bit the part and then some.

“He’s got freakish ability,” said linebacker Deontae Lawson. “It’s scary how good he’s going to be.”

If he stays healthy and continues to develop, Keon Keeley could lead the SEC in sacks this fall.

5. Caleb Downs – The Heart of the Defense

By now, Caleb Downs is no secret. The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year picked up right where he left off, leading the defense with his communication, instincts, and physicality. In many ways, he already looks like the quarterback of the secondary—and possibly the entire defense.

Downs had an interception, a pass breakup, and was credited with six tackles on A-Day, flying to the ball and delivering highlight-worthy hits. But more than the stats, what stood out was how he directed the defense and kept younger players in position.

His interception came on a read where he baited the quarterback into thinking a crossing route was open, only to close the window at the last second. It was a savvy veteran play from a player who just turned 19.

Downs is the kind of player that championship teams build around—versatile, intelligent, and completely fearless.

“He’s the best safety I’ve seen in this program since Minkah (Fitzpatrick),” one scout in attendance told The Athletic.

In an offseason filled with change, Downs has been the constant. Fans can rest easy knowing their secondary is anchored by one of the best safeties in the nation.

Honorable Mentions

While these five were the primary buzz generators, a few others deserve recognition:

• Ryan Williams, the five-star early enrollee wideout, showed flashes of why he’s considered the most electric freshman in the country.
• Kadyn Proctor, who re-committed to Alabama after a brief Iowa stint, looked far more comfortable at left tackle and helped solidify the offensive line’s edge protection.
• Daniel Hill, another freshman running back, displayed power and surprising wiggle—he could easily be the thunder to Haynes’ lightning.
• Jihaad Campbell, returning from injury, made multiple plays in space and showed why he’s considered the X-factor of the linebacker corps.

 The Foundation Looks Solid

The 2025 A-Day game provided Alabama fans with a sense of reassurance. There may be a new coaching staff, new schemes, and new expectations, but the tradition of elite talent and high-level execution continues.

Julian Sayin’s brilliance hinted at a future that looks just as bright as the past. Justice Haynes and Malik Benson flashed as top-tier playmakers. Keon Keeley gave the defense the edge presence it desperately needed. And Caleb Downs reminded everyone that leadership and star power still reside in the Crimson Tide locker room.

There will be plenty to clean up before the season opener—penalties, depth questions, and positional battles remain—but the A-Day game left fans more hopeful than skeptical.

As one fan in the south end zone put it, “It’s different—but it still feels like Bama.”

That’s the best compliment the DeBoer regime could hope for in Year 1. And if these five players continue trending upward, Alabama’s championship aspirations won’t skip a beat.