25. Johnny Musso
Before the names of Henry, Alexander, Ingram Jr., Richardson, Humphrey, and Lacy, there was Musso. The 5’11”, 201-pound back starred for the Crimson Tide out of the Wishbone formation. As a senior, Musso accrued 16 touchdowns. He also led the SEC in rushing for two straight seasons (1970-71). As a senior, he became an All-American — as well as the recipient of the SEC Player of the Year Award.
Musso ran much bigger than his size indicated. He routinely bounced off defenders once the initial contact was made. By the time he left Alabama, Musso was the school’s all-time rushing leader (though now he ranks sixth in this category). He was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
24. Calvin Ridley
The productive receiver by way of Florida is all over the Alabama record books when it comes to receiving records. Despite playing only three years in Tuscaloosa, Ridley ranks within the top three in virtually every major statistical category — including career receptions, receptions in a single season, career receiving yards, and career receiving touchdowns. An excellent route-runner with tremendous initial quickness, it was no surprise to see Ridley drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
23. Barrett Jones
Though his professional career hasn’t turned out overly well, Jones is unquestionably one of the best offensive linemen to have ever played at the school. Jones is a perfect example of unselfishness at the highest level. As a redshirt freshman, he performed well enough at guard to become a Freshman All-American.
The next two years, he kicked outside to left tackle — ultimately winning the Outland Trophy as a junior. To complete the trifecta, Jones then moved to center as a senior. During this short stint, he won the Rimington Trophy — recognizing the nation’s best center. Jones won three National Titles during his college career in Tuscaloosa. Couple that with his laundry list of personal accolades, and there’s no questioning his placement within the piece.
22. Najee Harris
If you were to think about Najee Harris and his time in Tuscaloosa, you’d call it successful. However, he’s not necessarily the type of talent you’d think to clump together with the likes of Shaun Alexander, Mark Ingram Jr., Derrick Henry, and Bobby Humphrey. However, upon further review, Harris deserves a seat at that illustrious table.
The powerful back out of California ranks No. 1 all-time in career rushing yards (3,843). The same can be said for career touchdowns (46) — as Harris edged out Henry and Ingram Jr. (42), and Alexander (41). Harris’s ability to both run the football and catch the ball out of the backfield made him exceptionally good throughout his four-year collegiate career. It led to Harris being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
21. Woodrow Lowe
Lowe was one of the most feared linebackers nationally during his time at Alabama. Though a bit undersized for the position, Lowe made up for the deficiency with unbelievable speed and quickness. With today’s NFL exhibiting a penchant for throwing the football, he’d be a perfect fit currently with his coverage skills.
Lowe was a three-time All-American (1973-75). To this day, Lowe holds the Alabama record for most tackles in a season (134) and ranks fourth overall in career tackles (315). Lowe proceeded to be drafted by the San Diego Chargers — where he started for 11 years as one of the team’s outside linebackers.
20. DeMeco Ryans
Ryans was a thumper in the heart of the Alabama defense during the early-to-mid 2000s. Though the Crimson Tide failed to be a fixture on the national stage, Ryans developed into one of the nation’s best. The Alabama native racked up personal achievements by the time he was a senior. This included becoming a first-team All-SEC performer, winning the 2005 SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award, accruing the standing as a first-team All-America selection, and also earning the Lott Trophy.
The former second-round pick of the Houston Texans went on to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and become a two-time Pro Bowler. He’s since retired after a 10-year career, and is now the head coach of the Houston Texans.
19. Chris Samuels
Samuels was a prototype left tackle prospect. Though a massive individual at 6’5″, 310 pounds, Samuels possessed terrific lateral quickness. He was gifted as a run-blocker — often utilizing sheer power to engulf defensive linemen. His overall athleticism also enabled Samuels to be a terror in space — particularly when blocking downfield.
He started all four years during his collegiate career. During this time, Samuels became an All-American in 1999. He also won the Outland Trophy and the Jacob Blocking Trophy. Taken No. 3 Overall by the Washington Redskins, Samuels made six Pro Bowls — whilst firmly establishing himself as one of the game’s best tackles in the process.
18. Billy Neighbors
Neighbors was a true warrior during his prime. He played both ways — dominating on the offensive and defensive line for Paul “Bear” Bryant’s first National Championship squad. During the title year, Alabama relinquished an eye-popping 25 points during the entire season.
Neighbors was instrumental in the phenomenal defensive performance. On the other side of the ball, he was recognized as an All-American offensive guard. He continued this brilliance in the AFL, where he was a two-time All-Star offensive lineman.
17. Dwight Stephenson
Much like Neighbors, Stephenson was a ‘war daddy’ along the offensive front. Though he weighed in at only 255 pounds, Stephenson was supremely gifted both technically and physically. Stephenson outworked opponents with tremendous effectiveness. He also punished defensive linemen with hand placement, quickness, and toughness. The two-time All-American was a part of back-to-back National Title squads under Bryant in the late ’80s.
He then transitioned to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins — where he was universally recognized as one of, if not the best center in the league. Stephenson was a 5-time Pro Bowler — as well as a 5-time first-team All-Pro. Under Stephenson’s leadership, Miami’s offensive line led the NFL in allowing the least amount of sacks for six straight seasons.
16. Ken Stabler
Stabler had a fantastic record during his collegiate career — though much of his notoriety came in the professional ranks with the Oakland Raiders. “The Snake” accrued two fantastic seasons after taking over the reins of the offense as a junior. He led Alabama to an undefeated 11-0 season in 1966. The following year, the Crimson Tide went 8-2-1 — though his “Run in the Mud” will forever be etched into the history of the program.
Stabler’s 15-year NFL career included one MVP Award (1974), four Pro Bowls, two seasons in which he led the league in touchdown throws, and most importantly, a Super Bowl victory in 1977. Stabler’s quirky and competitive personality made him a fan favorite throughout his playing days — as did his flair for the dramatics on the field.
15. Amari Cooper
Cooper is the most prolific receiver to have ever played at Alabama. This is a strong claim — considering the likes of D.J. Hall, DeVonta Smith, Julio Jones, David Bailey, and Freddie Milons have also played for the program. Cooper was excellent when it came to his route-running ability. Sharp out of virtually every break, he routinely was able to garner separation from defensive backs.
To this day, Cooper is second all-time in career receptions and career receiving yards. He’s also second for single-season marks in touchdown grabs, receiving yards, and receptions. At only 26 years of age, Cooper has made four Pro Bowls.
14. Julio Jones
While Jones was good in college, he’s been even better in the pros. During his prime, the 35-year-old was in the discussion as the best receiver of his generation. Pairing ridiculous physicality with a spider-like wingspan, Jones was a terror for defensive backs to defend against.
Since being drafted early in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons, Jones has made seven Pro Bowls. He led the NFL (2015) in both receiving yards (1,871) and receptions (136). Jones also ranks within the top three for most of the major receiving categories in the Alabama record books. As a junior, the gifted pass-catcher registered 78 catches, seven TD catches, and 1,133 yards — which ultimately led to a spot on the first-team All-SEC squad.
13. Tua Tagovailoa
The legend of Tua Tagovailoa will forever reside in Alabama. As a true freshman, we remember him coming into the National Championship Game at halftime. He ultimately led his team to a title after absolutely dominating a very good Georgia team. As a sophomore, the Hawaii native finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting. Again, he led his team to the National Championship Game (though they lost to Clemson).
Despite not having a huge arm, Tagovailoa was exceptional when it came to feel, accuracy, and touch. He placed the ball exactly where his stable of elite receivers could catch it and thus make plays. Tagovailoa shattered several school records. Among them, he still holds the Alabama all-time mark for career passing touchdowns (87), touchdowns in a single season (43), and touchdowns in a single game (6). The often-injured signal-caller is now battling to be the starter for the upstart Miami Dolphins.
12. Joe Namath
Under Bryant and fellow famed coach Howard Schnellenberger, Namath led Alabama to a National Title in 1964. He accrued 2,713 yards and 25 touchdowns during his three years in Tuscaloosa. Much of his notoriety came with the New York Jets — as he guaranteed a Super Bowl victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.
Namath went on to finish his professional career with over 27,000 yards passing and 173 touchdowns. While those numbers look rather pedestrian when compared to the quarterbacks of the present time, they were impressive given the era in which Namath competed.
11. Mark Ingram Jr.
Though he wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, Ingram Jr. proved to be a dynamic player for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Ingram Jr.’s stocky (and powerful) frame gave him a low center of gravity. As such, he ran with great balance and power. Ingram Jr. often kept his legs churning for more yardage at the point of initial contact. As a sophomore, he exploded for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns Ingram Jr. helped the Crimson Tide capture the 2010 National Championship. He also garnered consensus All-America honors and became Alabama’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner from the state of Michigan.
10. Derrick Henry
Henry plays the game like a locomotive. Powerful and sleek, the 6’3″, 247-pound back is nearly impossible to stop once he gets a full head of steam. Henry played sparingly as a true freshman — before bursting onto the scene as a sophomore. Sharing time with T.J. Yeldon, he still managed 990 yards and 11 touchdowns in a complementary role. Once named the starter in 2015, the junior was sensational — accruing 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns (which both became SEC records). Within the year, he captured the Doak Walker Award, the Walter Camp Award, the Maxwell Award, and the Heisman Trophy.
Henry’s ability to shine on the field directly contributed to two SEC Titles and a National Championship. He’s tied with Mark Ingram Jr. for the second most rushing touchdowns in program history (42) and is second all-time in rushing yards (3,591).
9. Cornelius Bennett
Bennett was as dominant in the NFL as he was in the SEC. He patrolled the second level of the Alabama defense with utter ruthlessness. During the mid-1980s, Bennett was universally revered for his physicality and intensity on the field. Throughout his four-year career in Tuscaloosa, Bennett registered 21.5 sacks and an eye-popping 287 tackles. Perhaps most impressive, Bennett was a 3-time First-Team All-American. Once in the NFL, he continued the productivity in a big way.
Starring primarily for the Buffalo Bills, Bennett made five Pro Bowls and won the AFC Defensive Player of the Year Award twice. The ‘backer accrued 71.5 sacks and 1,048 tackles throughout his 14-year career. He’s undoubtedly one of the most lethal defensive players to have ever played for either Alabama or the Buffalo Bills franchise.
8. DeVonta Smith
The slightly built receiver out of Alabama isn’t the biggest or fastest guy in the world. He wouldn’t impress in a combine setting. However, the man knows how to play the game of football at an exceptionally high level. DeVonta Smith is atop virtually every single Alabama receiving record to date. We’re talking about career receptions, single-season reception marks, single-game reception marks, career receiving yards, receiving yards in a single season, AND receiving yards in a single game (274).
As a senior, Smith unsurprisingly won the Heisman Trophy on the back of the season in which he accrued a whopping 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. His ability to garner separation is special, as is his catch radius. Simply put, Smith gets every ounce of talent out of his body. As a reward, the two-time National Champion receiver was nabbed No. 10 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
7. Lee Roy Jordan
Jordan was known for his relentlessness on the field. Rarely would he ever be outworked by anyone — whether it be a teammate or an opponent. He was a concrete member of Bryant’s first National Championship squad in 1961. During this period, Jordan was an All-American as both a linebacker and as a center. One can understand his vast intelligence on the field based on his ability to master two positions with such considerable responsibility. As a senior, he notched 31 tackles in an Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma.
Once in the NFL, he spent 14 years with the Dallas Cowboys. He played solely as a linebacker — where he ended up earning five Pro Bowl appearances and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award (1973). Most importantly, Jordan helped Dallas win the 1972 Super Bowl. Darren Woodson is the only former Dallas player with more career tackles than Jordan.
6. Bart Starr
Starr is an Alabama boy through and through. Raised in Montgomery, Starr was an All-State player at Lanier High School. Once at Alabama, he starred as the team’s starting quarterback, safety, and punter. Interestingly enough, Starr never put up huge numbers. In four seasons, he combined for 1,903 passing yards — whilst throwing 10 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. It led to the signal-caller being drafted in the 17th round by the Green Bay Packers. However, he became a complete anomaly on the professional level. Starr led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL Championships in seven years.
He then guided the franchise to two straight Super Bowl victories — which happened to be the first two Super Bowl contests in league history. Not only did Starr hold countless passing records and personal achievements, but he won on the highest level when the best was needed of him. While many peg Joe Montana and Tom Brady as the most accomplished postseason quarterbacks in league history, Starr certainly should be in the conversation.
5. Shaun Alexander
Alexander was an absolute bell-cow back for the Crimson Tide during his collegiate career. Injuries prevented him from being a huge factor early during his tenure — but he broke through as an upperclassman. Alexander rushed for over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. As a senior, he accrued 19 touchdowns and an average of 125.7 yards per contest. Not only did Alexander lead the SEC in touchdowns for two straight years, but he also held 15 school records by the time he graduated. Once in the NFL, Alexander continued on his torrid pace — as he made three Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro squads.
In 2005, Alexander won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award based on a season including 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns. Alexander’s fingerprints are truly all over the Alabama record books. As it currently stands, he ranks third all-time in rushing yards (3,565) and fourth in touchdowns (41).
4. Ozzie Newsome
Most recently, Newsome has garnered headlines as a top-notch executive within the Baltimore Ravens organization. He helped to architect two Super Bowl-winning teams during his tenure in the front office. Before that, he excelled on the football field. Newsome didn’t possess the ideal size for the tight end position. He was essentially a bigger receiver functioning with tight-end responsibilities. However, Newsome became a nightmare match-up for defensive backs — as he was too fast for linebackers and too physical for defensive backs. The elite athlete started all four years for Alabama — accruing 102 receptions and over 2,000 receiving yards during an era that was primarily rooted in running the football.
With the Cleveland Browns, he instantly made an impact — earning three Pro Bowl appearances within the first eight years of Newsome’s career. To this day, Newsome remains the Browns’ all-time leader in receiving yards (7,980) and receptions (662). Unsurprisingly, he’s a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
3. John Hannah
The best offensive linemen possess a technician-like approach with the requisite amount of “dog” in them. Hannah brought these two traits to the field in droves. His versatility enabled him to be elite as both a guard and tackle. Adept in wrestling and various track events (shot put, discus), Hannah’s upper-body strength — coupled with his smaller frame — made him excellent in garnering leverage upfront. The 9-time Pro Bowler was lethal on run plays in which he’d get out in space, utilizing agility and sheer force.
While with the New England Patriots, he managed to make 10 First-Team All-Pro squads. Duly impressive, Hannah started every single game in which he participated. Without question, Hannah’s name would belong among the “Mount Rushmore” of offensive linemen.
2. Derrick Thomas
Thomas was a special player for several reasons. Though he primarily was listed as a linebacker, he routinely rushed off the edge. As we’ve seen in the current climate of the game, hybrid outside linebackers/defensive ends are all the rage. Thomas would’ve been one of the best players in that capacity — regardless of era. Whilst with Alabama, Thomas set an NCAA record by compiling 52 sacks in four seasons. He inexplicably registered 27 sacks in one season. It’s no surprise that Thomas went on to become a star on the next level.
Playing his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thomas made nine Pro Bowls, three First-Team All-Pro squads, three Second-Team All-Pro squads, and was also named the Rookie of the Year in 1989. In 11 years with the Chiefs, Thomas collected 126.5 sacks — including his second year in which he registered 20.0. Sadly, Thomas passed away at 33 years of age due to an automobile accident.
1. Don Hutson
Hutson was a transcendent player for his time. In a sense, he was as dominant a receiver as the game of football has ever seen. While not overly big, Hutson was supremely gifted in evading defenders with route-running. Hutson would routinely put his body on the line — making plays in traffic and working diligently to evade defenders with quickness and deception. Hutson played his entire professional career with the Green Bay Packers.
Much like he did at Alabama, the pass-catcher dominated the field with his unique style of play. In 11 seasons with the franchise, Hutson hauled in 488 catches for 7,991 yards and 99 touchdowns. He even starred on defense and special teams — notching 30 interceptions as a safety, and leading the league on multiple occasions in extra points and field-goal conversions. However, Hutson’s bread-and-butter resided in catching the football.
To put it into perspective, Hutson achieved these tremendous numbers while playing in an era where throwing the football downfield was a rarity. Much of the game focused primarily on ball control within simplistic formations. With that said, Hutson still managed to lead the league in receptions eight times, in receiving yards seven times, and in touchdown receptions nine times. Simply put, he is the best player to have ever played at the University of Alabama.