Alabama football is going to have a different group of receivers in 2025. The question is, how different?

The top might not change much. Ryan Williams is set to be back for another season.

But otherwise, there will be plenty of new faces.

Let’s start with Germie Bernard; the former Washington/Michigan State receiver can return. But will he?

He was non-committal when asked after practice Saturday at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl. Alabama will face Michigan at 11 a.m. CT on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium.

“I’ve just been focused on the football game to be honest,” Bernard said. “That’s been my main focus.”

If he stays to use his final season of eligibility at Alabama, the Crimson Tide will have its top two receivers back.

Bernard led Alabama with 46 receptions in 2024 with Williams right behind him at 45 receptions. Bernard had 714 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Williams tallied 857 yards and eight touchdowns.

No other receiver had more than 11 receptions or 129 receiving yards or one touchdown.

So, the loss of Kobe Prentice, Kendrick Law, Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Caleb Odom at receiver to the transfer portal won’t change much in terms of production. But the room will look quite different considering the number of departures. Especially if Bernard decides to leave, too.

Alabama added Isaiah Horton from Miami via the transfer portal. He brings experience and production; Horton caught 56 passes for 616 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.

Also in the mix: Jaylen Mbakwe. He played cornerback in his freshman season, but the Clay-Chalkville product is working at wide receiver this week. Part of that is Alabama has minimal scholarship receivers available for the bowl game.

Will Mbakwe playing receiver continue into 2025?

“I think it’s a little early to have a crystal clear version of what that would look like, other than we know that he’s a talented kid, he loves this place, and we’re glad that he’s here,” Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said earlier in December.

Cole Adams is set to return. He was playing a role when he was healthy, but injuries limited him at one point and eventually ended his season early. Rico Scott, Jaren Hamilton, Bubba Hampton and Amari Jefferson can also return. Scott might be the name to watch most from that group based on some flashes he showed in his freshman season.

Then there’s Jalen Hale; the sophomore receiver sustained a significant knee injury in the spring that has forced him to miss all of the 2024 season. He’s back practicing with Alabama but isn’t expected to play in the bowl game. What he can do next season will be worth watching. In limited action as a freshman, Hale caught five passes for 148 yards and one touchdown. He could be a solid addition to the receiving group.

Alabama will also add two freshmen receivers: Derek Meadows and Lotzeir Brooks.

“I think the receiver room is going to be great,” Bernard said. “The new addition, Horton, is going to be great in the receiving room. Having guys that have been in the playbook for a year going into their second year, they’re going to be able to play faster man. Be able to execute better. Not really worried about where to line up, what route to run. They can really dissect defense and understand coverage and take their game to the next level.”

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