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The Tuscaloosa News
Key Alabama football wide receiver announces return for 2025 season. What it means
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Key Alabama football wide receiver announces return for 2025 season. What it means
Alabama football will keep one of its top receivers for the 2025 season.
Germie Bernard , a former Michigan State and Washington wide receiver who just completed his first season with the Crimson Tide , told ESPN he would be back for his senior season at Alabama . He later confirmed the news on his Instagram.
"First and foremost, thank you God for blessing my college experience to this point and providing for me every step of the way," Bernard wrote. "My college football journey has not been a straight road, but it's been an incredibly rewarding one. I have been fortunate to play for elite coaches, with talented teammates and in front of some amazing fans.
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"My time in Tuscaloosa has been no different. From the coaches and staff, to my teammates, to the fans, this football community and experience is second to none. I believe coach (Kalen) DeBoer is building something special here and this program is once again on the brink of bringing another championship home. Because of that, and after much thought, time and consideration with my family, I'm excited to announce that I will be returning to Alabama for my final college season. I look forward to playing in front of the Tuscaloosa crowd again and competing for a championship in 2025."
Bernard joins defensive stars such as Deontae Lawson , LT Overton , Domani Jackson and Justin Jefferson who have each announced their returns to the Crimson Tide in 2025.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe , offensive lineman Tyler Booker and linebacker Jihaad Campbell have each announced their entrances into the 2025 NFL draft.
Germie Bernard stats: How did Alabama wide receiver do in 2024?
Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) makes a catch during the Iron Bowl game between Alabama and Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Auburn 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Bernard was a member of a two-man show in the Alabama passing game in 2024.
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Bernard led the Crimson Tide with 50 receptions for 794 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions: a 34-yard reception from Milroe in Alabama's 27-25 win against South Carolina , and a 26-yard reception from Milroe in Alabama's 42-10 win against Wisconsin .
Bernard and freshman Ryan Williams combined for more than 43% of Alabama's total receptions in 2024, more than 54% of the team's total receiving yards and more than 58% of the team's total touchdown receptions as the only two players with more than two touchdown catches.
What will Alabama football WR room look like with Germie Bernard in 2025?
With Bernard back, Alabama returns both of its top weapons in the passing game in 2025.
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But it's a room the Crimson Tide is still trying to fill out.
Alabama added 6-foot-4 Miami wide receiver Isaiah Horton through the transfer portal along with 2025 wide receivers Lotzeir Brooks, a 5-foot-9 slot receiver who could also make an impact in the backfield, and Derek Meadows, a 6-foot-5 deep threat.
Alabama also expects Cole Adams to return in the slot along with Rico Scott Jr. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer also shared Jaylen Mbakwe , a former cornerback, would make an impact at wide receiver in 2025 after moving positions during bowl prep.
Alabama opens its 2025 season Aug. 30 against Florida State.
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Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Key Alabama football wide receiver announces return for 2025 season
