Alabama Star WR Sends Clear Message on 2024 Season

That vile feeling came from Alabama's 9-4 campaign, a season that fell apart in the final portion of SEC play. The Tide missed the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years, with the nail in the coffin being a brutal 24-3 loss to an unranked and struggling Oklahoma Sooners team. Alabama also lost its bowl game, 19-13, to a Michigan Wolverines team without most of their contributors. For a program that won six national titles from 2009 to 2020, last year, the first under head coach Kalen Deboer, was a brutal step backward.

However, Bernard isn't sulking, but rather stepping up.

Now heading into his second season in Tuscaloosa after transferring from Washington, and previously Michigan State, Bernard says he's embracing a leadership role in the program.

"Personally, I'm just trying to work on being a leader. A vocalized leader," he said.

"Being consistent within being a leader. It's a different role, and I am ready to embrace that role."

He credited The Pivot, the popular podcast hosted by Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor, as a significant influence in helping him understand what authentic leadership looks like.

Last season, Bernard snagged 50 receptions for 794 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a score via the ground. He will step into a larger role in 2025 alongside superstar sophomore pass catcher Ryan Williams, following the transfer of Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law, paired with the likely switch to a more passer-friendly quarterback in Ty Simpson.

Entering his fourth college season, Bernard will look to lead the Alabama Crimson Tide back to the CFP after a one-year absence.