The Alabama Crimson Tide have made a significant move to bolster their rushing attack for the 2025 season by adding Louisiana running back Dre’lyn Washington via the transfer portal. This addition comes at a critical time for Alabama, following a disappointing 2024 campaign in which they narrowly missed the College Football Playoff and ended the season with a tough 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Crimson Tide’s inability to secure a ten-win season for the first time since 2007 has raised questions about the program’s current trajectory, especially after the challenging first year under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
One of the biggest areas of inconsistency for Alabama throughout the 2024 season was its rushing attack. While there were moments when the ground game was effective, more often than not, it struggled to find any rhythm. Against some of the tougher teams on their schedule, the rushing game sputtered, leading to frustration among fans and coaching staff alike. Inconsistent performances from running backs, coupled with a lack of explosive plays on the ground, ultimately contributed to Alabama’s inability to reach the College Football Playoff and meet the high expectations that come with being a perennial championship contender.
It is no secret that Alabama has built its legacy on strong, balanced offenses that are able to control the line of scrimmage and wear down opposing defenses, particularly through the running game. To that end, the addition of Dre’lyn Washington provides a much-needed infusion of talent and experience to help restore the Crimson Tide’s dominance on the ground. Washington comes to Alabama after an impressive stint at Louisiana, where he became one of the most productive running backs in the Sun Belt Conference.
Over the course of his time with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Washington accumulated 1,343 rushing yards, averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. He also recorded eleven touchdowns during his career at Louisiana, showcasing his ability to be a consistent playmaker. Washington’s skill set was a vital piece of the Ragin’ Cajuns’ offense, and his arrival in Tuscaloosa is expected to provide Alabama’s offense with the kind of explosiveness it lacked in 2024. His ability to find daylight and hit the second level with speed will give Alabama a legitimate weapon in the backfield, capable of breaking off long runs and keeping opposing defenses on their heels.
One of Washington’s most attractive attributes is his balance and vision as a running back. He is known for his ability to read the defense and find the holes in the offensive line. His patience and vision are key to his success as a runner, allowing him to make defenders miss and gain extra yards after contact. Although he is not known for having the most elite top-end speed, his acceleration through the line and his ability to change direction quickly are what make him a dangerous threat in the open field. His style of running fits well into Alabama’s pro-style offense, which often emphasizes a balanced attack and a strong rushing game that can complement the quarterback’s passing efforts.
In addition to his vision and balance, Washington has proven himself to be a reliable goal-line back. With eleven touchdowns in his career, he has shown that he can be trusted to punch the ball in when the offense is in the red zone. His physicality and ability to run through tacklers make him well-suited for short-yardage situations, an area where Alabama’s rushing attack struggled at times during the 2024 season.
Washington’s presence in the Alabama backfield should also provide significant depth, something the Crimson Tide lacked in 2024. Injuries and inconsistency at the position left Alabama with limited options and no clear number-one back. With Washington’s addition, the Tide now have a proven, dynamic running back who can help alleviate some of the pressure on the offense. The ability to rotate fresh legs into the game will allow the team to keep the defense guessing and maintain a high level of play throughout the game. Washington could even provide the Crimson Tide with a lead-back option, assuming he adapts quickly to his new system and earns the starting role.
While Washington’s addition brings a great deal of optimism to the Alabama rushing attack, his arrival will also place pressure on the offensive line to improve its consistency. In the 2024 season, the Crimson Tide’s offensive line was often inconsistent, failing to create the kind of holes necessary for the running game to thrive. A successful running back like Washington needs good blocking upfront, and the offensive line will need to establish more consistency in order for Washington to reach his full potential.
For head coach Kalen DeBoer, the addition of Washington represents an important step in his rebuilding process. DeBoer, who took over the Alabama program in 2024, faced the difficult task of maintaining the standard of excellence set by previous coaches while navigating a challenging first season. The team’s offensive struggles in 2024 made it clear that changes were needed, particularly in the running game. Bringing in Washington, a proven commodity, signals that DeBoer is willing to address weaknesses and make the necessary moves to restore Alabama’s status as a national championship contender.
While Washington is certainly a highly capable running back, it is worth noting that he does not come without concerns. One of the questions surrounding his transition to Alabama will be how he adapts to the higher level of competition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). While the Sun Belt is a competitive conference, the SEC is widely regarded as the most challenging league in college football. Washington will face bigger, faster, and stronger defenders, and it remains to be seen how his skill set will translate at the highest level. Additionally, Washington will need to adapt to Alabama’s system and build chemistry with the coaching staff and his new teammates.
Despite these challenges, the upside for Washington is clear. His time at Louisiana has shown that he is capable of being a primary contributor in the backfield. If he can transition smoothly to Alabama and build on his success, he has the potential to be a difference-maker for the Crimson Tide.
Looking ahead, Washington’s addition could also have an impact on Alabama’s recruiting efforts. The Crimson Tide have long been known for their ability to bring in top-tier talent, and adding a player of Washington’s caliber via the transfer portal could signal to future recruits that Alabama remains committed to competing at the highest level.
In conclusion, Dre’lyn Washington’s commitment to Alabama represents a major boost to a Crimson Tide offense that struggled in 2024. His blend of vision, patience, and physicality should provide Alabama with the kind of running back play it lacked last season. Washington’s proven ability to be a dynamic playmaker in the backfield will help strengthen the rushing attack and create more balance on offense. If he can adapt to the SEC and stay healthy, Washington has the potential to be one of the most impactful transfers in the country and a key factor in Alabama’s bid to return to the College Football Playoff in 2025.
