Here’s what I found about that Top 25 Alabama Crimson Tide players from the last 25 years list — focusing on players who played under the Nick Saban era (starting 2007 to mid‑2020s). While there’s no single definitive “Top 25 last 25 years” article, multiple rankings cover the era and most frequently cited players:
🔥 Players most often appearing among the top 25 of Saban-era lists (2007–2025)
1. C.J. Mosley (LB, 2010–2013)
Two-time consensus All‑American (2012, 2013), Butkus Award winner in 2013, Alabama’s team MVP in 2012, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
2. Mark Ingram II (RB, 2008–2010)
2009 Heisman Trophy winner, key figure in Alabama’s first championship under Saban, and later productive NFL career .
3. Quinnen Williams (DT, 2016–2018)
National champion, 2018 Outland Trophy winner, led Alabama domination in his final season.
4. Alex Leatherwood (OT, 2017–2020)
2020 Outland Trophy winner, anchor of what many consider the most efficient Alabama offense in school history .
5. AJ McCarron (QB, 2009–2013)
Two national titles as starter, program‑record 9,019 passing yards/77 TDs, Maxwell & Johnny Unitas awards.
6. DeVonta Smith (WR, 2017–2020)
Heisman winner (2020), SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Biletnikoff Award, set SEC receiving records for yards and TDs.
7. Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB, 2015–2017)
Two-time consensus All‑American, Jim Thorpe and Bednarik Award winner, multiple NFL Pro Bowls.
8. Jalen Hurts (QB, 2016–2018)
SEC Freshman and Offensive Player of the Year (2016), won national title (2017), instrumental comeback in 2018 SEC Championship.
9. Julio Jones (WR, 2008–2010)
Transformed expectations at wide receiver for Alabama; major NFL star, Pro Bowl and All‑Pro selections.
10. Trent Richardson (RB, 2011)
Doak Walker Award winner (2011), SEC Offensive Player of the Year, set Alabama single-season rushing mark (1,679 yards, 21 TDs).
🏈 Likely other top‑25 Saban-era standouts
- Derrick Thomas – all‑time sacks leader at Alabama, legendary NFL Hall‑Famer (technically from pre‑Saban but still 25‑year frame).
- Cornelius Bennett, Antonio Langham, John Copeland – all consensus All‑Americans, decorated defensive standouts near 25‑year cutoff.
- Ha Ha Clinton‑Dix and Marlon Humphrey – elite Alabama DBs with multiple national titles and Pro Bowl NFL careers .
- Amari Cooper – Alabama’s all‑time leading receiver at the time, Biletnikoff winner and unanimous All‑American.
🧭 Summary Table
| Player | Years | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| C.J. Mosley | 2010–13 | Two-time All‑American, Butkus winner |
| Mark Ingram II | 2008–10 | 2009 Heisman, national titles |
| Quinnen Williams | 2016–18 | Outland Trophy, dominant defensive tackle |
| Alex Leatherwood | 2017–20 | 2020 Outland winner, offensive anchor |
| AJ McCarron | 2009–13 | Career passing leader, two titles |
| DeVonta Smith | 2017–20 | Heisman, Biletnikoff, SEC records |
| Minkah Fitzpatrick | 2015–17 | Bednarik/Thorpe winner, NFL star |
| Jalen Hurts | 2016–18 | SEC POY, led comeback in title run |
| Julio Jones | 2008–10 | All-time great WR and NFL Pro |
| Trent Richardson | 2011 | Doak Walker, breakout rushing season |
📌 Why these players top the lists
These athletes consistently appear in All‑Decade, Top 25, and All-Saban era rankings thanks to:
- Major college awards (Heisman, Butkus, Outland, Thorpe, Maxwell).
- National Championships during Saban’s dynasty.
- College dominance and NFL transition as elite pros.
- Historic statistical achievements for Alabama.
Let me know if you’d like a full Top 25 lineup with exact ranking positions or if you’re thinking of a particular “last 25 years” span (e.g. 2000–2025). I’d be happy to dig up more details or assemble a custom ranked list.
