Preview and projections for the 2025 Alabama football season: Kevin Riley

Kevin Riley, a redshirt freshman running back from Northport, Alabama, enters the 2025 season with high expectations after a promising first glimpse in 2024. Hometown prospect from Tuscaloosa County High School, Riley is built at 5‑11 and around 195 pounds and was a unanimous four‑star recruit. He ranked among the top five running backs nationally and came to Alabama with star billing in the 2024 class .

He saw limited game action as a freshman, totaling ten carries for 30 yards while appearing in two games. Riley’s early contributions came on special teams and specific short-yardage packages, but the 2025 season positions him for a meaningful increase in opportunity . With senior Jam Miller established as the lead back and poised to start again, Riley joins a crowded but potentially explosive backfield that includes Daniel Hill, Richard Young, Dre Washington, and the highly‑touted true freshman A.K. Dear .

The new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, has hinted at a more tailback‑centered offense this season. Though Alabama featured Jalen Milroe as a primary rushing threat in 2024, Grubb’s system is expected to lean more on the running backs  suggesting that Riley and his depth peers may carve out roles sooner than usual

Riley’s skill set fits well with this approach. Known for his patience, vision, and inside running ability, he can pick his holes and provide reliable option close to the line of scrimmage. His local roots and past track record of production make him a fan favorite and a player the staff expects to develop into multiple‑down contributor

Jam Miller remains the projected starter with experience and reliability. He rushed for 668 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 and added receiving value with 155 yards on 16 catches. With Justice Haynes transferring to Michigan, Miller is set to carry the load into his senior year

Behind Miller, mid‑level experience rotates in. Richard Young enters as the likely #2 back he shook off a minor 2024 injury to show flashes of ability. True sophomore Daniel Hill impressed as a tough, agile runner praised by coach Grubb for spring performance: “physical runner… nimble for how big he is… excellent pass catcher… showed toughness” . Louisiana transfer Dre Washington brings collegiate experience and added depth as a high-energy rotational piece.

Kevin Riley and A.K. Dear round out the group. Dear, a top-5 national RB recruit in 2025, brings jukes and explosiveness along with big play upside, while Riley gives steady physicality and vision. Dear may make an impact in his first year, but Riley’s experience, alignment with the style, and local prestige give him notable upside

The projected running back depth chart:

1. Jam Miller

2. Richard Young

3. Daniel Hill

4. Dre Washington

5. A.K. Dear

6. Kevin Riley

In fall camp and early games, Riley’s role depends on health and effectiveness from Miller and Young. He’s expected to see more snaps in goal-line, short-yardage, and possibly on special teams. If Miller faces injury or inconsistency, or if Grubb leans into rotation, Riley could work his way into a larger role, benefiting from his vision and decision-making.

Alabama’s backfield depth is one of strength and uncertainty: it mirrors the offensive line and quarterback situation as key unknowns for the 2025 outlook. The Tide haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2021, and Riley’s emergence would add dynamism to an offense seeking identity and consistency behind a projected elite offensive line and pass-catching corps led by Ryan Williams

While national attention remains focused on the open quarterback battle  Ty Simpson leads the camp with experience, backed by Austin Mack and Keelon Russell  success for Alabama’s 2025 season likely hinges on a balanced attack. That means establishing a reliable ground game, and Riley’s development fits into that strategy

His ceiling: If Riley can carve out 40 to 60 carries with efficiency and occasional explosive plays or goal-line touchdowns, he can significantly influence outcomes and potentially earn running back recognition late in the season. If injuries strike or rotation accelerates, he might become even more central.

Case comparison: past Alabama RBs like Najee Harris and Brian Robinson rotated early before earning larger roles. Riley may follow that path  earning trust early in 2025 and building a foundation for future seasons.

Of course, performance in fall camp matters. Coaches look at pads-on reps, inside blocking, pass protection awareness, and between-the-tackles decisions. Riley’s familiarity with the system and home-state pride give him early credibility. Any standout camp showing could accelerate his climb up the depth chart.

Longer term, if Riley becomes a reliable multi-purpose back with positive yards after contact and smart field vision, he may open doors beyond backup status.

The Tide’s projected first game opener at Florida State is a test for the entire offense. Alabama’s ability to run inside zones, pass protect, and control tempo depends on RB execution. Riley’s role could become emerging if he thrives on early reps or stands out in packages.

Projecting Team Impact: Alabama enters the season ranked mid‑tier in SEC preseason projections, with concern at quarterback and ground game. The New York Post argues the Tide are undervalued and could surprise if the line holds and RBs like Riley and Miller produce efficiently. Bill Connelly’s SP+ data places Alabama second nationally in overall team strength, behind only Ohio State

If the running back depth plays well, and Riley contributes in gains or goal-line situations, Alabama may overcome quarterback inexperience and deliver consistent offensive rhythm. That support would lower Simpson’s burden and reduce risk of mistakes in the passing game.

In summary, Kevin Riley is positioned as a key reserve in one of Alabama’s deepest RB groups in years. He represents local talent, vision, and potential for physical inside production. In an offense shifting under Ryan Grubb, Riley’s steady control and athletic traits can be assets.

Fall camp and early rotation will reveal whether he stays at RB6, fights into rotation behind Miller and Young, or becomes a situational weapon earlier than expected.

His development matters for the Crimson Tide’s push to outperform expectations, control games on the ground, and support whichever quarterback wins the job.

If Riley earns more offensive reps and contributes in crunch time, he may become a quietly impactful figure in DeBoer’s second-year turnaround  helping the Tide pivot from inconsistency toward championship contention.