The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game is the culmination of the college football season, where the best teams from across the country battle for supremacy. The 2025 CFP National Championship will be a stage for a host of standout players, including several former Alabama Crimson Tide transfers who have made significant impacts on their new teams. These players are not just participating in the game; they have been key contributors to their teams’ success and could play pivotal roles in deciding the national champion.
Alabama’s football program, under head coach Nick Saban, has been a powerhouse for over a decade, regularly producing NFL-caliber talent. However, the intense competition for playing time at Alabama has led many talented players to transfer to other programs. These transfers have often found success at their new schools, sometimes elevating the performance of those teams to new heights.
This article will focus on some of the notable former Alabama players who will take the field in the 2025 CFP National Championship Game and examine their journeys from Tuscaloosa to their new teams. Through their hard work and perseverance, these players not only found new opportunities but also helped their new programs reach the pinnacle of college football.
1. Tyler Harrell (Wide Receiver, Louisville)
Tyler Harrell was a promising wide receiver at Alabama after transferring from Louisville prior to the 2022 season. At Alabama, he was known for his blazing speed and potential to stretch the field vertically. However, due to the abundance of talent in Alabama’s receiving corps, Harrell didn’t get as much playing time as he would have liked. After one season with the Crimson Tide, he decided to return to Louisville to get more opportunities to play and contribute.
At Louisville, Harrell’s speed and ability to create separation on deep routes allowed him to flourish as one of the top receivers in the ACC. His chemistry with quarterback Jack Plummer was immediate, and he quickly became a key target in the Cardinals’ high-powered offense. Harrell’s deep-ball threat and ability to make explosive plays were crucial to Louisville’s offense, and he played a significant role in leading his new team to the CFP National Championship.
In the upcoming game, Harrell’s deep threat could prove to be a game-changer. He’ll be tasked with stretching the defense and opening up lanes for other players to get involved. If he can hit on a few long passes or draw attention from defenders, it could tilt the balance of the game in Louisville’s favor.
2. Jahleel Billingsley (Tight End, Texas)
Jahleel Billingsley was a former five-star recruit who showed flashes of his immense talent during his time at Alabama. As a versatile tight end, Billingsley had the ability to be a mismatch in the passing game, thanks to his size, athleticism, and route-running ability. However, he struggled with consistency and discipline during his time in Tuscaloosa, and after a year of limited impact, he transferred to Texas.
Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who was Alabama’s offensive coordinator during Billingsley’s time there, the tight end found a new home and an opportunity to fully showcase his skills. Billingsley became a key part of Texas’s offense, developing into a reliable target in both the passing game and the run-blocking scheme. His ability to make plays in the middle of the field and be a red-zone target gave Texas another weapon to utilize in their offense, helping them reach the national championship game.
Billingsley’s role in the National Championship Game will likely be to serve as a safety valve for the Texas quarterback. His size and skillset will be crucial for stretching the field and opening up options for his teammates, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations. His matchup against opposing linebackers and safeties could be one of the key factors in determining the outcome of the game.
3. Henry To’o To’o (Linebacker, Georgia)
Henry To’o To’o was one of the standout linebackers for Alabama during his two seasons with the program. A transfer from Tennessee, To’o To’o brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the Alabama defense. Known for his ability to read plays, tackle effectively, and be a vocal leader, To’o To’o was a key piece in the Crimson Tide’s defensive schemes.
However, after a couple of seasons in Tuscaloosa, To’o To’o felt the need for a change of scenery and transferred to Georgia. At Georgia, To’o To’o’s skills and leadership continued to shine. He quickly became one of the best linebackers in the country, helping anchor a defense that was both physically imposing and mentally sharp. To’o To’o’s presence on the field is invaluable in the run game, and his ability to read opposing offenses makes him an excellent asset in pass coverage as well.
In the CFP National Championship Game, To’o To’o will play a pivotal role in containing the opposing offense, whether it’s stopping the run, defending the pass, or making sure the defense stays aligned. His knowledge of the game, combined with his exceptional playmaking ability, could be the difference-maker for Georgia.
4. Kool-Aid McKinstry (Cornerback, Ohio State)
Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of the most talented cornerbacks to come out of Alabama in recent years. However, after seeing limited action in the Crimson Tide’s secondary, McKinstry transferred to Ohio State to increase his opportunities for playing time. At Ohio State, McKinstry has evolved into one of the top cornerbacks in the nation, showcasing his ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers.
McKinstry’s ability to shut down one side of the field gives Ohio State’s defense a huge advantage. His length, speed, and physicality make him a formidable force against both the run and the pass. His matchup against the opposing team’s top receiver will be one of the most closely watched aspects of the game.
In the National Championship Game, McKinstry will be tasked with limiting big plays in the passing game. His ability to blanket receivers, anticipate throws, and be a disruptive force in the secondary will be vital to Ohio State’s defensive strategy. If he can effectively neutralize the opposing offense’s top threats, Ohio State’s chances of claiming the national title will improve significantly.
5. Eli Ricks (Cornerback, LSU)
Eli Ricks was a highly regarded cornerback when he transferred to Alabama from LSU, and his combination of size and athleticism made him an immediate standout in the Crimson Tide’s secondary. Despite some early struggles adjusting to the high level of competition, Ricks was a key player for Alabama, contributing significantly to their defensive efforts.
However, with the depth of Alabama’s defensive backfield, Ricks decided to transfer to LSU, where he was able to earn a starting role and demonstrate why he was one of the top cornerbacks in the country. At LSU, Ricks became a shutdown corner, using his instincts and physicality to make plays on the ball and take away the opposing team’s top wide receivers. He has played an instrumental role in LSU’s rise to the top of the college football landscape, and his performance in the National Championship Game will be critical.
Ricks’ ability to win one-on-one matchups in the secondary, particularly in high-pressure situations, will be pivotal for LSU’s defense. His experience and skillset will be key in limiting explosive plays and providing the necessary coverage to shut down the opponent’s passing attack.
