What role former 5-Star is carving out for Alabama ahead of first season at wide receiver

Alabama football’s sophomore, Jaylen Mbakwe is carving out a role at wide receiver and on special teams ahead of the 2025 football season.

The former five-star switched from defensive back to wide receiver during the Crimson Tide’s ReliaQuest Bowl prep last season. He officially made the switch to the position during the spring.

While Mbakwe is not expected to start at wide receiver, he could be seen playing in certain packages on offense, according to Kalen DeBoer.

“He fits into the mix with some other guys,” DeBoer said. “I think that room, there’s some guys at the top and then there’s another pack of guys that are going to be important to us throughout the entire year, and they might be in certain packages. And Bak would be certainly one of those guys that is just going to keep fighting, keep scrapping. He’s doing the things he needs to do every day to just keep focusing on him and being better. And that’s what I appreciate about him.”

Mbakwe returned two punts for 46 yards last season. He is continuing to make an impact in the return game, and he is expected to see time there this fall.

“He’s finding his ways into the return game,” DeBoer told reporters. “He did a nice job with that last year and carving out a role there. He and the other guys keep carving out their roles and the more opportunities they get, I think they’ll take advantage of them.”

As the season progresses, Mbakwe could become a vital depth piece at wide receiver for the Tide.