TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — As Alabama continues its red-hot surge through the heart of the 2025 season, head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff received the best possible news ahead of their upcoming SEC road test against South Carolina — a clean bill of health for key contributors and no new injuries added to the Tide’s availability report this week.
According to Alabama’s official initial availability report, four players — Qua Russaw, Jah-Marien Latham, Cayden Jones, and Jeremiah Beaman — remain listed as out, all continuing to recover from prior injuries that have sidelined them in recent weeks. However, the crucial takeaway for Alabama fans is that the list includes no new names and represents a continuation of previously known absences rather than fresh setbacks.
Even more encouraging, several key players who were limited or absent last week have now been cleared for full participation. Wide receiver Derek Meadows, running back Jam Miller, defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe, and tight end Danny Lewis — all of whom appeared in various stages of the availability report before the Tennessee game — are officially off the list and ready to suit up this weekend. Their return significantly strengthens both Alabama’s depth and explosiveness heading into another pivotal SEC showdown.
Meadows, the dynamic freshman wideout, has been turning heads with his speed and catch radius in practice. Miller, a steady veteran presence in the backfield, provides a powerful one-two punch alongside the emerging Daniel Hill, while Mbakwe’s athleticism in the secondary has been vital in Alabama’s defensive resurgence. Tight end Danny Lewis also brings added versatility as both a blocker and short-yardage receiving threat.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Crimson Tide, who are coming off a statement 37–20 win over No. 11 Tennessee — a victory that propelled Alabama into the top five of the AP Poll and further solidified its playoff credentials. With four straight wins over ranked opponents, the Tide are riding high on confidence and cohesion.
DeBoer has frequently emphasized the importance of player availability and preparation in sustaining Alabama’s championship standard, and this week’s report aligns perfectly with that message. As the Tide prepare for Saturday’s matchup in Columbia, the team’s improving health and stability may prove to be the hidden advantage that keeps Alabama’s championship train rolling full steam ahead.
