In the past, Alabama has seen a multitude of players step up on the offensive side of the ball and have breakout years. In order for Alabama to sustain offensive success, some players will need to stand out among the rest of the pack.
Touchdown Alabama projects five breakout candidates for Alabama on offense for the 2025 season.
1. Richard Young – R-So. / 5’11”, 216 lbs. / Lehigh Acres, FL
With Alabama losing Justice Haynes to the transfer portal, there will be room for someone to step up at the running back position. The most likely candidate to do so is redshirt sophomore Richard Young. The former five-star has had ample playing time in his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa. That is subject to change in 2025. Young has added muscle weight and looks every bit of the part at 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds. He is a powerful running back that thrives at running in between the tackles. One thing that Alabama struggled at last season is running the ball effectively between the tackles. Young should be able to help change that trend and have an increased role in Alabama’s offense in 2025.
2. Rico Scott – R-Fr. / 6’0″, 200 lbs. / Harrisburg, PA
One of the biggest head scratchers during the 2024 season was why Alabama’s coaching staff failed to feature true freshman Rico Scott in the team’s offense. Scott is a big play waiting to happen. The Pennsylvania native made the most of his opportunities when he was put into the game. Against Michigan, Scott had two touches for 37 total yards. His limited production during the 2024 season is subject to change in the future. With Alabama losing six wide receivers to the transfer portal, Scott should see more opportunities at the wide receiver position. He can play multiple roles in Alabama’s offense and can impact the game in several ways. Scott has all of the tools to breakout in 2025 and become a mainstay in Ryan Grubb’s offense.
3. Jalen Hale – R-So. / 6’1″, 188 lbs. / Longview, TX
Hale is set to return from a season-ending injury that occurred before the start of the 2024 season. The Texas native was expected to be a key pass catcher for the Crimson Tide during the 2024 season. Now, in 2025, he figures to have similar expectations despite the injury. As a true freshman, Hale reeled in five receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown. Given the departures at the wide receiver position, Hale will look to establish himself as a starter on offense heading into the 2025 season. He will have to compete for a starting role with teammate Isaiah Horton. Regardless, Hale has the potential to be a breakout player for the Crimson Tide in 2025.
4. Josh Cuevas – R-Sr. / 6’3″, 251 lbs. / Los Angeles, CA
With starting tight end CJ Dippre heading to the NFL, Alabama will be tasked with finding his replacement in 2025. The lead candidate to replace Dippre is redshirt senior Josh Cuevas. The Washington transfer was sparsely used in Tuscaloosa last season. He saw a very limited number of opportunities in the pass game. Not to mention, Alabama used Robbie Ouzts primarily as a blocking tight end. Cuevas will need to showcase that he can do both at a consistent rate in 2025. If he is able to do so, he has a good shot at becoming a breakout player for Alabama’s offense in 2025.
5. Lotzeir Brooks – Fr. / 5’9″, 170 lbs. / Millville, NJ
True freshman Lotzeir Brooks displayed his talent at the highest level during his high school career. From his sophomore to senior season, Brooks managed to haul in 153 receptions for 3,205 yards and 42 touchdowns. He broke multiple records in the state of New Jersey during his senior year of high school. Needless to say, Alabama is getting a proven talent at the wide receiver position in Brooks. With the aforementioned six departures at the position, Brooks has a great opportunity to breakout in his first season at The Capstone.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
