Alabama’s WR1 mystery: Why the Tide's top target is a revolving door

Staff Writer

Heading into the 2025 season, Ryan Williams was widely expected to take over as Alabama’s top receiver after an impressive freshman campaign. But as the season unfolds, it’s clear Alabama’s passing attack is more balanced than anyone anticipated, with multiple receivers staking their claim to the WR1 spot.

2025 Alabama top receivers

Here’s a quick look at Alabama’s leading wideouts and their key stats this season:

Germie Bernard
REC: 41 | YDS: 605 | AVG: 14.8 | LNG: 43 | TD: 6

Ryan Williams
REC: 36 | YDS: 528 | AVG: 14.7 | LNG: 75 | TD: 4

Lotzeir Brooks
REC: 20 | YDS: 322 | AVG: 16.1 | LNG: 53 | TD: 0

Isaiah Horton
REC: 24 | YDS: 298 | AVG: 12.4 | LNG: 35 | TD: 5

(Getty Images)

Ryan Williams: The speedster adapting to the spotlight

Williams burst onto the scene in 2024 with a standout season, racking up 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. His elite speed and sharp route running made him a nightmare for defenses, often burning them deep. In 2025, his numbers dipped to 36 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns. This decline is mostly due to defenses focusing heavily on him, aiming to limit his big-play potential. However, Williams has adapted by improving his game underneath coverage, becoming a more reliable and versatile target. His 14.7 yards per catch highlight that he’s still a major playmaker, even when tightly covered.

Germie Bernard: The versatile playmaker

Bernard has become one of Alabama’s most dependable weapons. While his reception total slightly dropped from 50 catches in 2024 to 41 in 2025, his impact in the red zone skyrocketed, with six touchdowns, which is triple his previous year’s output. Bernard also added a new dimension to his game by contributing 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. This versatility makes him a constant threat, whether catching screens, running jet sweeps, or finding openings on intermediate routes. Bernard’s blend of strength, speed, and balance has made him invaluable in Alabama’s offensive scheme.

Lotzeir Brooks: The explosive deep threat

Brooks may not have the volume of receptions as others, but his explosiveness can’t be ignored. With 20 catches for 322 yards, Brooks averages an impressive 16.1 yards per catch, clearly establishing himself as a deep threat. His 53-yard long reception this season showed his ability to stretch defenses vertically. While Brooks hasn’t scored a touchdown yet, his ability to make chunk plays keeps defensive coordinators honest and creates big opportunities for Alabama. As he gains more targets, Brooks looks poised for a breakout.

Isaiah Horton: The reliable red-zone specialist

Horton, the veteran of the group, has seen his role shift somewhat. After a strong 2024 season with 56 receptions for 616 yards and five touchdowns, his 2025 numbers dropped to 24 catches for 298 yards, but he maintained his scoring ability with five touchdowns again. Horton’s role has become more specialized, focusing on situational and red-zone plays where his size and experience allow him to make crucial catches. He remains a key piece in Alabama’s offense, especially in high-pressure moments.

Who’s Alabama's real WR1?

So who stands as Alabama’s true top receiver? It might not be just one player. Williams offers speed and adaptability, Bernard brings reliability and versatility, Brooks delivers explosive big plays, and Horton contributes veteran savvy and red-zone production. Together, they make Alabama’s passing game more dynamic and difficult to defend than ever.