Espn Names This Elite Freshman As Alabama Football's Top Newcomer To 2025 Roster

Alabama football and coach Kalen DeBoer had one of the most impressive signing classes in the 2025 recruiting cycle. The Crimson Tide signed elite talent on both sides of the ball from quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line to both the secondary and front seven on defense.

Five-star quarterback Keelon Russell (Duncanville, Texas) headlines the industry rankings as the top recruit in Alabama's class but coming out of spring practice, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was fairly confident that the quarterback job is Ty Simpson's to lose.

Alabama's receiver room got bigger with the additions of four-star recruits Derek Meadows (Bishop Gorman High School, Nev.) and Lotzeir Brooks (Millville High School, N.J.), plus an assist in the transfer portal from former Miami Hurricane Isaiah Horton. The Crimson Tide's 2025 recruiting class was ranked No. 3 in the nation by 247Sports and On3, and No. 4 by ESPN.

On Friday, ESPN named the top newcomer for every team in its post-spring top 25 rankings. Lotzeir Brooks was named Alabama's best incoming player for the 2025 season.

ESPN college football analyst Billy Tucker said of Brooks:

"Alabama wasn't particularly aggressive in the transfer portal, so there could be an opportunity for a freshman from its fourth-ranked recruiting class to emerge. The 5-9, 180-pound Brooks is the most decorated high school receiver to come out of New Jersey, setting the state record for receiving yards (4,615) and touchdowns (67). He arrived in Tuscaloosa early and turned heads in Alabama's spring practices as a slot receiver."

Tucker believes that Brooks has a chance to emerge as a key contributor next to sophomore sensation Ryan Williams and senior Germie Bernard in Alabama's offense.

"He's small but dynamic and very quick and sudden in his movements. Brooks creates separation as a route runner, especially underneath. He's a chain-mover after the catch with great burst and acceleration, and he sees the field well. Brooks could show off those attributes early on as a punt returner as well."

Alabama opens the 2025 season against Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Aug. 30.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football 2025 roster, ESPN names top Crimson Tide newcomer