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AJ McCarron Names the 'Most Underrated' Player at Alabama Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 2:24 PM ET

Head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide possess one of the most talented rosters in the country heading into the 2025 college football season.

Despite losing stars like quarterback Jalen Milroe and linebacker Jihaad Campbell to this year's NFL Draft, the Tide will field a roster that ranks third nationally in blue-chip ratio (80.95%), sitting behind only Texas and Georgia.

Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams, a fixture on the cover of the EA Sports College Football 26 video game, will likely draw the most coverage. The Freshman All-American led the team in receiving last year and should be even better this season.

Another receiver, though, should be garnering a closer look as a potential breakout star, according to former Alabama national champion quarterback AJ McCarron.

McCarron, who helped lead the Tide to three national titles, awarded that honor to senior wideout Germie Bernard.

"Bernard, I think, is the most underrated guy on the team," McCarron said Friday on "The Dynasty." "They should have gotten him the ball. I love that dude. I love watching him play. Plays great routes, catches the ball in traffic. I think he is a playmaker at all times."

Bernard followed DeBoer over from Washington ahead of the 2024 season and went on to post a career-high 50 receptions for 794 yards with three total touchdowns in 13 games.

The Henderson, Nevada, native began his career at Michigan State in 2022 after signing with the Spartans as a four-star recruit.

Bernard's return to Alabama this season is significant, as he hasn't spent more than one season within the same program over his three-year career.

It's safe to expect some growth in the offense, especially given the addition of his former coordinator in Ryan Grubb, who coached Bernard at Washington in 2023.

Alabama will open the 2025 season on the road against Florida State on Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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