Alabama Crimson Tide continues to show that they have other programs beat in an area that will only help its recruiting efforts

Another big win for the Crimson Tide.

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) makes a play action fake before throwing to Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) during the game with Wisconsin at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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The Alabama Crimson Tide has been a pipeline for the NFL Draft for over a decade at this point. You knew that in any given year under Nick Saban, Alabama might have double-digit players drafted come April and even more signed in the days after the draft.

Well, I’m afraid the falloff under Kalen DeBoer, or at least in that department, has been grossly overstated. Look no further than this year’s collection of Alabama talent at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine as evidence.

Alabama sending 12 players to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

Combine players

  • Ty Simpson, QB
  • Germie Bernard, WR
  • Jam Miller, RB
  • LT Overton, EDGE
  • Tim Keenan, DT
  • Josh Cuevas, TE
  • Kadyn Proctor, OL
  • Parker Brailsford, IOL
  • Jaeden Roberts, IOL
  • Justin Jefferson, LB
  • Deontae Lawson, LB
  • Domani Jackson, CB

The only program sending more players to the combine this year is the Texas A&M Aggies with 13. Even in the world of NIL and transfer portal, what most recruits want, and certainly the families and advisors of said recruits, is the best path towards the NFL.

When Saban was coaching, South Florida DBs flocked to Tuscaloosa because they knew if they started under Saban, they were a lock to make the league. Now, we are seeing that same thing under Kalen DeBoer, but on the offensive side of the ball.

If you start along the offensive line, make plays as a skill player, and are under center for a DeBoer-led offense, you’re all but assured a long look in the pre-draft process. With the evolution of not only college football, but Alabama, that bodes well for players like Austin Mack, Keelon Russell, Ryan Williams, and of course, the recruiting classes down the road.

So even though the greatest to ever do it hung up his whistle a few years ago, the pipeline to the NFL remains strong in Tuscaloosa.

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