Alabama football has officially kicked off fall camp, but we still have one more set of summer roster rankings to release. After ranking almost every player on the roster, we finish up with the top five, which includes three offensive players and one defensive player.

Previous roster rankings: Nos. 74-78, Nos. 70-73, Nos. 66-69; Nos. 62-65; Nos. 58-61; Nos. 54-57; Nos. 50-53; Nos. 46-49; Nos. 42-45; Nos. 38-41; Nos. 34-37; Nos. 30-33; Nos. 26-29; Nos. 22-25; Nos. 18-21; Nos. 15-17; Nos. 12-14; Nos. 9-11; Nos. 6-8

No. 5 – CB Domani Jackson

Previous ranking: No. 4 (-1)

Jackson was fantastic in his first season at Alabama. After transferring in from USC, the former five-star recruit immediately assumed a starting role at cornerback, providing the Tide with a much-needed veteran presence following the losses of Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry to the NFL.

By season’s end, Jackson had started at 13 of Alabama’s games opposite freshman Zabien Brown, who recently checked in at No. 10 in these player rankings. Jackson played 717 snaps, third-most on the defense, while racking up 52 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and seven pass breakups and a forced fumble.

The two interceptions were the first of his career, which is a significant development because there have been questions about Jackson’s ball skills dating back to even his high school days. This 6-foot-1, 200-pound corner has a chance to be a first-round draft pick next April. Not only that, but this means three of Alabama’s defensive backs are ranked in my top-10 with a fourth (Keon Sabb) checking in at No. 14. That’s how confident I am in that unit.

Projected role in 2025: Starting CB

No. 4 – OT Kadyn Proctor

Previous ranking: No. 7 (+3)

I had Proctor a few spots further down in my pre-spring roster rankings, but we’ve heard good things about the progress he’s made as a leader. Missing the spring for a second straight year is far from ideal, but I still believe he’s ready to take the next step. Not only does he play one of the most important positions on the field, but he’s also considered one of Alabama’s top draft-eligible talents.

Yes, I wish he were a little bit lighter. I understand that he’s naturally going to have a large frame, but 366 pounds is still a little too heavy, even for a guy who’s 6-foot-7. I’m hoping he can drop some of that weight and at least get down around 355 by the start of the season. Having said that, he’s still an impressive mover for a player his size. The power is otherworldly, and the quickness getting into his pass set is crazy for 360+ pounds.

Alabama has to get effective play out of Proctor. I thought he was significantly better as a sophomore than he was as a freshman, and that was while playing through a shoulder injury that ended up requiring surgery after the season. Right now, I have him projected as a mid to late Day 1 draft pick, but those who have him as a potential No. 1 overall guy aren’t crazy. He’s got that type of potential in 2025.

Projected role in 2025: Starting LT

No. 3 – IOL Parker Brailsford

Previous ranking: No. 3 (+0)

Brailsford was a godsend for Alabama after losing Seth McLaughlin following the 2023 season. In fact, I’d say UA and McLaughlin going their separate ways was mutually beneficial for both parties. Brailsford is undersized, but his athleticism is an ideal fit for Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb’s offense.

I still don’t think Brailsford has reached his ceiling yet either. Sure, there will always be limitations due to his lack of size, but we have to remember that he didn’t really participate in spring practice after first arriving in Tuscaloosa. It took him a while to get comfortable in a new environment, but he was good by the time the season rolled around. Now, he’s had an offseason to get even more comfortable at Alabama.

A lot of people will label Proctor as Alabama’s best offensive lineman. And from an NFL draft perspective, they’re probably right. But Brailsford’s leadership, toughness and elite-level athleticism allows the offense to be a little more creative in how it calls certain things. I not only think the Mesa (Ari.) native is Alabama’s best lineman, but I also think he’s one of the best in the entire country. I’m that high on him.

All three of Alabama’s returning offensive line starters (Brailsford, Proctor and Jaeden Roberts) check in as top-10 players in my summer roster rankings. Wilkin Formby checks in at No. 19 too.

Projected role in 2025: Starting C

No. 2 – DL LT Overton

Previous ranking: No. 2 (+0)

Overton is exactly what Kane Wommack covets in a Bandit. His size (6-5, 278) and play strength provide an elite edge-setting presence on the outside, but he can also be a versatile pass rusher who wins as a true edge or from the inside, even when aligned as a 0 or 1-tech nose. That’s a special combination, folks.

The Texas A&M transfer brings first-round talent. He’s just got to do a better job of finishing at times, whether that be against the run or as a pass rusher. His 39 pressures last season led the team by a wide margin (next highest was Jihaad Campbell with 20), but he only converted those into two sacks, which isn’t good enough. He also missed on a couple of plays against the run that could’ve made a massive impact.

4th-and-1 situation for Georgia. LT Overton with a first round start to this play and an undraftable finish. Etienne is a heck of a back, but you’ve *gotta* finish here.

This was after it looked like Alabama had stopped them on the previous attempt (but UA called a TO). pic.twitter.com/16945BWLCQ

— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) October 1, 2024

Finishing has been a major point of emphasis for Overton this offseason, and I fully expect him to be better in that area in 2025. Guys like Qua Russaw and James Smith will be critical to Alabama’s pass rush, but Overton is the most likely candidate to finish with the most pressures and sacks this upcoming season.

Projected role in 2025: Starting BANDIT with IDL snaps

No. 1 – WR Ryan Williams

Previous ranking: No. 1 (+0)

Yes, Ryan Williams is only 18 years old, but that’s not stopping him from already topping this list. The former Saraland (Mobile, Ala.) standout had a tremendous first season in Tuscaloosa. He totaled 913 yards of offense (865 receiving, 48 rushing) and 10 total scores while providing multiple jaw-dropping moments.

Now to be fair, his production fell off quite a bit over the course of the season. Through the first seven games, he averaged 4.4 catches for 92.7 yards (21 yards per catch) while scoring eight touchdowns. Then over the final six games, those numbers dropped to 2.8 receptions, 36 yards and just two scores (one receiving, one rushing).

Part of that drop-off falls on Williams, as he posted at least one drop in four of Alabama’s last six games. But inconsistent play at quarterback certainly didn’t help, and I think that’s an element that’s going to improve in 2025. Mix that with Williams finally being old enough to actually vote, and one can easily understand why we’re expecting a massive jump in Year 2. And that’s with him already being considered one of the best returning receivers in college football.

There are few people in the world who can do what Ryan Williams can do on the football field. The instincts, body control and natural athleticism make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. Plus, the clutch factor is already getting close to reaching a legendary level. Williams is the easy choice for the top spot on this list.

Alabama’s projected starters at WR: Ryan Williams (No. 1), Germie Bernard (No. 7) and Isaiah Horton (No. 16). Rico Scott also climbed 12 spots to No. 26, so this is obviously a pretty stacked group as well.

Projected role in 2025: Starting WR (can play X, Z or H)