In the era of draft opt-outs and transfer portal departures, the Alabama Crimson Tide have established a culture that still cares about non-playoff bowl games. Despite having an abundance of NFL hopefuls, the Tide have retained almost all of their starters for the matchup against Michigan.
Here are some notable players to watch for.
QB Jalen Milroe
Milroe is a true dual-threat who has amassed 2,652 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 719 yards and an incredible 20 touchdowns. He figures to be in the mix atop the 2025 quarterback draft prospects, but he needs to develop his passing game to get there. Milroe will still use his legs when needed, but this is a great opportunity to air it out against a depleted Wolverine defense.
RB Jam Miller
With Justice Haynes headed to Michigan, Miller will lead the Tide backfield alongside Milroe. The junior has totaled 641 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and should benefit from a lack of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant up the middle. Knowing Alabama, though, it will likely rely on a bevy of backs.
WR Ryan Williams
The freshman broke onto the scene in the SEC this season and figures to eventually be a coveted draft pick. He’s a smooth route-runner with incredible body contortion and hands. Williams will look to add to his 45 catches, 857 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his debut season.
OG Tyler Booker
Booker has been a stalwart along the offensive line for several years now and figures to be one of Alabama’s best — if not the best — draft prospects. The All-American is a behemoth at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds and will look to cap off an excellent career with a bowl victory. Again, he should benefit from a softened Michigan defensive line and can amass more quality tape.
Edge LT Overton
Overton, who transferred from Texas A&M this year, has been a wrecking ball on the defensive line. His stats are not overwhelmingly dominant, recording just two sacks in 2024, but his scheme versatility and raw athleticism will entice NFL scouts. He figures to be a Day 2 prospect, so he has as much to gain as anybody in this game.
LB Jihaad Campbell
Campbell came to Alabama as an outside rusher, but has transformed into the middle-of-the-field general every defense needs. He has recorded 106 total tackles (12 for loss), five sacks and an interception in 2024. He will patrol the defense without fellow linebacker Deontae Lawson, who is out with an injury.
