Kalen DeBoer's first season at the helm of Alabama football didn't go as planned. In addition to missing the expanded College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide failed to reach 10 wins for the first time since 2007,

There are already five backs, but Alabama isn’t opposed to adding more experience. The Tide have hosted a few players from the portal, most notably Utah State ’s Rahsul Faison. Staying at five will allow for young players Hill, Riley and the incoming Dear to get a lot of spring reps, then the staff can re-evaluate the position entering the summer.

A few pieces are locked in with LT Overton, Justin Jefferson, Domani Jackson and Deontae Lawson each returning for the 2025 season. A few more have been added through the NCAA transfer portal, pieces like Texas A&M guard Kam Dewberry and Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, who are expected to be starters upon arrival.