Is Alabama football doing best Ohio State impression to build 2025 roster?

The world of college football is constantly evolving, and powerhouse programs like Alabama and Ohio State often set the trends for success. While these two teams are fierce competitors on the field, their recruiting strategies, player development pipelines, and roster-building philosophies occasionally converge. As Alabama looks to assemble its 2025 roster, some analysts and fans are beginning to wonder: Is Alabama football doing its best Ohio State impression?

The Blueprint for Success

Both Alabama and Ohio State have consistently been among the top programs in recruiting, development, and on-field performance. However, each program has historically leaned into slightly different philosophies. Alabama, under Nick Saban, has built a dynasty by emphasizing a “pro-style” approach: a blend of physicality, dominance in the trenches, and discipline across all phases of the game. Ohio State, under coaches like Urban Meyer and Ryan Day, has leaned more into speed, athleticism, and explosive playmaking, especially at skill positions.

In recent years, Alabama’s recruiting and roster-building strategies have shown signs of borrowing some elements from Ohio State’s playbook. The 2025 roster may well reflect this hybrid approach, which could make the Crimson Tide an even more formidable force.

Recruiting Parallels

Pursuit of Speed and Skill

Historically, Alabama has dominated in recruiting by building from the inside out, prioritizing linemen and defensive stalwarts. While they’ve always attracted elite skill position players, the emphasis was more on controlling the line of scrimmage.

Ohio State, on the other hand, has often focused on game-changing skill players, particularly wide receivers, cornerbacks, and quarterbacks. Recent classes for Alabama suggest a shift toward this approach. For instance, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class includes:

• Jalen Carter (Wide Receiver): A five-star prospect out of Florida, Carter is known for his lightning speed and ability to create separation downfield. His commitment marked a victory over Ohio State, which was also heavily pursuing him.
• Marcus Grayson (Cornerback): Another five-star talent, Grayson’s agility and ball-hawking skills make him a prototypical Ohio State-style recruit. Alabama’s success in landing him signals their intent to dominate on the edges.
• Isaiah Watson (Quarterback): A dual-threat QB ranked among the top three in his class, Watson’s style mirrors the dynamic playmakers that have flourished at Ohio State, such as Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud.

National Recruiting Scope

While Alabama has always recruited nationally, the 2025 class shows an unprecedented emphasis on expanding their footprint in regions traditionally dominated by Ohio State. Notably, Alabama secured commitments from key players in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, regions that have historically been Big Ten strongholds. By encroaching on Ohio State’s recruiting territory, Alabama is solidifying its presence as a truly nationwide powerhouse.

Offensive Philosophy

Emphasis on Explosiveness

Ohio State’s offense under Ryan Day has become synonymous with explosive plays. Wide receiver-heavy formations, aggressive downfield passing, and quick-strike scoring have been hallmarks of their system. Alabama appears to be adopting a similar philosophy.

New offensive coordinator Tommy Reese has introduced more dynamic passing concepts, designed to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically. With recruits like Jalen Carter and Caleb Harris at wide receiver, Alabama is building a roster capable of matching Ohio State’s explosiveness. This marks a shift from Alabama’s traditional reliance on a dominant run game and methodical play-action passing.

Quarterback Play

The 2025 roster also reflects a growing emphasis on quarterback play, an area where Ohio State has excelled. From Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, Ohio State has consistently developed quarterbacks who are Heisman contenders and NFL-ready. Alabama’s recruitment of Isaiah Watson signals a commitment to continuing the trend started by Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young—but with an added focus on mobility and playmaking outside the pocket.

Defensive Adjustments

While Alabama has long been defined by its suffocating defense, recent years have seen the program evolve to counter the speed and explosiveness of modern offenses. Ohio State’s defensive approach, particularly under coaches like Jeff Hafley and Jim Knowles, emphasizes versatility and athleticism over size.

Hybrid Defenders

Alabama’s 2025 defensive recruits include several hybrid players—athletes capable of excelling in multiple roles. Linebacker Cameron Davis, for example, can play inside or rush the passer from the edge, much like Ohio State’s Baron Browning or Pete Werner in recent years. Similarly, cornerback Marcus Grayson’s ability to line up in the slot or outside mirrors Ohio State’s emphasis on flexible defensive backs.

Focus on Turnovers

One area where Alabama has lagged in recent years is creating turnovers. Ohio State’s defenses have been particularly adept at forcing fumbles and interceptions, often turning them into points. To address this, Alabama has placed a greater emphasis on ball skills during recruiting and practice. Secondary coach Travaris Robinson has implemented drills specifically designed to improve interception rates and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.

The NIL Factor

Another area where Alabama’s approach mirrors Ohio State’s is in navigating the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape. Both programs have embraced NIL opportunities to attract top-tier talent. Alabama’s ability to leverage its brand and provide players with lucrative NIL deals has become a significant recruiting tool—a tactic Ohio State has used effectively as well.

In 2025, Alabama’s partnerships with major brands and its support for player-specific deals have created an NIL infrastructure that rivals Ohio State’s. For example, Jalen Carter recently inked a deal with a national sportswear brand, highlighting Alabama’s ability to maximize its players’ earning potential.

Challenges and Implications

While Alabama’s “Ohio State impression” has clear benefits, it also raises questions about whether the program can maintain its unique identity. Alabama’s traditional dominance in the trenches and its disciplined, methodical approach have been key to its sustained success. Balancing these elements with a more dynamic, Ohio State-style philosophy will be crucial.

Additionally, as both programs compete for the same recruits and adopt similar strategies, the margin for error becomes smaller. Alabama’s coaching staff will need to outwork and outmaneuver their counterparts in Columbus to stay ahead.

Alabama football’s approach to building its 2025 roster shows clear signs of influence from Ohio State’s recruiting and on-field strategies. By emphasizing speed, versatility, and explosiveness while continuing to dominate in traditional areas like the trenches, Alabama is crafting a roster that blends the best of both worlds. Whether this hybrid approach will lead to another championship remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Alabama is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for continued dominance.