The 2024 Alabama football season begins in one day. We’re almost there.

After all the discussions, conjecture and speculation, we’re about to get some concrete answers about the Crimson Tide in the Kalen DeBoer era.

As Alabama prepares to face Western Kentucky on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN) at Bryant-Denny Stadium, let’s lock in final picks for who will be some of the Crimson Tide’s stars in 2024. The ones who are deserving of awards and superlatives.

We’re ready to pull out our AL.com crystal ball and look into the future for definitive answers about Alabama.

Here is who we think will be the most valuable players, top additions and more.

Newcomer of the year: Keon Sabb

Tough to pick here between Sabb, Bernard and Williams, but the former Michigan defensive back gets the nod. It sounds like Sabb has been stellar since joining the Crimson Tide, and Alabama will need him to be strong alongside Malachi Moore at the two safety spots.

Others considered: Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams, Zabien Brown, LT Overton, Domani Jackson

Freshman of the year: Ryan Williams

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. It isn’t yet clear how big of a role Williams will have early in the offense, but the offensive player wearing the No. 2 jersey is going to be difficult to keep off the field. The No. 2 on defense, Zabien Brown, also should have a strong freshman campaign considering the reviews he has drawn in camp. But Williams gets the nod for this superlative. He could be straight up electric from the jump.

Others considered: Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe, Rico Scott

Breakout star of the year: Jam Miller

Miller was a bit banged up late in preseason camp, but a big season is on tap for him. With Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams no longer ahead of him to take up carries, Miller is a prime candidate to break out. Sure, Justice Haynes will also receive plenty of opportunities, but Miller gets the edge as the top player who could emerge on the national scene in 2024. He’s waited for his opportunity, and this season, he makes the most of the occasion.

Others considered: Kendrick Law, Justice Haynes, LT Overton

Top lineman: Tyler Booker

He’s already been a good player. He should be even better in 2024. Booker might not only be the top lineman on the team but also could be one of the best players overall.

Others considered: Jaeden Roberts, Tim Keenan III, LT Overton, Parker Brailsford

Offensive MVP: Jalen Milroe

He was named the team’s most valuable player overall a season ago. There’s no reason to believe he won’t win it again this season. Milroe seems locked in and should take the next step under DeBoer. Milroe will have a chance to play more free and dominate.

Others considered: Jam Miller, Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams, Kendrick Law.

Defensive MVP: Malachi Moore

Securing him for one more season was a huge get for DeBoer and company. He not only has the ability to be an elite player, he’s also got the ability to be an elite leader. Moore will move from the nickel spot to safety and be a key piece of the defense.

Others considered: Keon Sabb, Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell, LT Overton

Special teams MVP: James Burnip

Kicker Graham Nicholson, the reigning Lou Groza award winner, would have been too easy of a pick. He could very well be the special teams MVP, but let’s go with a player who isn’t being talked about enough. Burnip has the ability and experience to flip fields. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t have a great year.

Others considered: Graham Nicholson, Kneeland Hibbett, Cole Adams

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.