It is basically an open secret at this point. If you want to play on Sundays, you go to Tuscaloosa. Honestly, it doesn’t even matter that Nick Saban isn't on the sidelines anymore; the factory he built is still churning out pro-ready talent at a rate that's honestly kind of ridiculous.
Right now, as we roll through the early days of 2026, the league is practically a Crimson Tide reunion. Look at any Sunday night game. You've got Alabama Crimson Tide players in NFL rosters across almost every single team—62 former players were on active 53-man rosters to start the 2025-26 season. That is not a typo.
The Current State of the Tide in the League
The sheer volume is staggering. While other schools brag about having a couple of first-rounders, Alabama is out here with 33 former players currently participating in the 2026 NFL Playoffs. The Philadelphia Eagles have basically become "Alabama North," featuring seven former Tide stars including Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith.
It's not just about the numbers, though. It's the quality.
Take a look at the 2025 season stats. Jalen Hurts threw for over 3,200 yards. Derrick Henry—who is apparently immortal—rushed for nearly 1,600 yards for the Ravens. Even the "younger" guys like Jahmyr Gibbs are taking over, with Gibbs racking up 1,223 rushing yards for the Lions.
The 2025 NFL Draft kept the pipeline flowing. Dallas took Tyler Booker at pick 12. Philly grabbed linebacker Jihaad Campbell at 31. Even Jalen Milroe found a home with the Seattle Seahawks in the third round. It's a never-ending cycle of high-end talent.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the "Bama Bust" Myth
You've heard the talk. People love to say Alabama players are "maxed out" by the time they leave college. They claim they've been worked too hard or they only looked good because the system was so perfect.
That is total nonsense.
Look at Pat Surtain II. He was ranked as the #10 overall player in the entire NFL in 2025. Does he look maxed out to you? Or how about Will Anderson Jr., who is out there leading the Texans' defense and recovering fumbles like it’s a hobby?
The truth is that Alabama players are often more prepared for the NFL because they've already lived in a pro environment. They know how to study film. They know how to handle a complex playbook. They’ve been coached by guys who have spent decades in the NFL. When they show up to training camp, they aren't wide-eyed rookies; they're seasoned professionals who just happen to be 21 years old.
The New Generation: The 2025 Draft Class
The most recent crop of talent is already making waves.
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- Tyler Booker (Dallas Cowboys): He stepped in and immediately looked like a veteran on that offensive line.
- Jihaad Campbell (Philadelphia Eagles): He’s been a tackling machine, fitting perfectly into an Eagles defense that already had a heavy Bama flavor.
- Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks): While he’s sitting behind a veteran, his dual-threat capability has the Seattle coaching staff buzzing during practices.
- Malachi Moore (New York Jets): A fourth-round steal who has already seen significant snaps at safety.
The Quarterback Revolution
For a long time, the knock on Alabama was that they couldn't produce NFL quarterbacks. They were "game managers" who just handed the ball to Heisman-winning running backs.
Those days are dead and buried.
Between Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young, the Tide has some of the most recognizable faces under center in the league. Hurts is a Super Bowl MVP. Tua led the league in passing yards just a couple of seasons ago. Bryce Young is still finding his footing in Carolina, but the talent is undeniable.
And now we have Ty Simpson. After a solid 2025 season where he threw for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns, he's officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He even turned down massive NIL offers—we’re talking $6.5 million from Miami—just to stay loyal to the Tide and make his jump to the pros. That tells you everything you need to know about the culture in Tuscaloosa.
Why the Tide Keeps Winning the NFL Draft
It’s not just the coaching. It’s the competition.
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If you're a five-star recruit at Alabama, you're going up against another five-star recruit every single day in practice. If you slack off for one afternoon, there's a guy behind you who is just as fast and just as hungry ready to take your spot.
That pressure cooks elite players.
When Alabama Crimson Tide players in NFL uniforms step onto the field, they aren't intimidated. They’ve played in the Iron Bowl. They’ve played in the SEC Championship. They’ve played in the College Football Playoff. An NFL playoff game is just another Saturday to them.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following the league or looking for an edge in your fantasy league or sportsbook, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Depth Charts: The "Bama Connection" is real. Teams like the Eagles and Lions specifically target Alabama players because they know the floor is high. If a team has multiple Alabama guys on the roster, expect better communication and chemistry.
- Focus on the Trenches: While the WRs and RBs get the headlines, Alabama’s real NFL impact is on the offensive and defensive lines. Guys like Quinnen Williams (now with Dallas) and Landon Dickerson are the anchors of their teams.
- Watch the 2026 Draft: With Ty Simpson and Kadyn Proctor declaring, expect Alabama to have another big showing in the first two rounds this spring.
- Fantasy Sleeper Alert: Keep an eye on John Metchie III. Now with the Jets, he's finally healthy and has the route-running ability to be a massive PPR asset if he gets the targets.
The Saban era might be over on the sidelines, but his legacy is literally the backbone of the modern NFL. Whether it’s Kalen DeBoer or anyone else leading the Tide, the path to the pros still runs through Tuscaloosa.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the upcoming NFL Combine results for the newest batch of Alabama prospects. Analyzing their 10-yard split and 225-pound bench press reps can give you a clear indication of who will transition the fastest to the pro level. Pay special attention to Ty Simpson's Pro Day—his decision to skip the NIL millions for the draft suggests a player with immense confidence in his pro projection.