2 Alabama Legends Just Landed on CBS’s NFL Top 25 Under 25

CBS Sports released its annual NFL Top 25 under 25 rankings, and two former Alabama standouts—Will Anderson Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs—earned spots on the prestigious list. Their selections highlight Alabama’s continued success in developing NFL-ready talent. Earning a spot on this exclusive national register requires immediate, high-end production at the professional level. For fans of…

CBS Sports released its annual NFL Top 25 under 25 rankings, and two former Alabama standouts—Will Anderson Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs—earned spots on the prestigious list. Their selections highlight Alabama’s continued success in developing NFL-ready talent.

Earning a spot on this exclusive national register requires immediate, high-end production at the professional level. For fans of Alabama football, seeing these two program icons named to the list validates the incredible developmental system that prepares athletes to dominate early in their professional careers.

CBS Top 25 Under 25 Snapshot

The inclusion of these former Crimson Tide stars on the national radar highlights their exceptional early careers. The table below details exactly where these elite products place on the national landscape:

Eligibility is based on a player’s age at the start of the 2026 NFL regular season, following CBS Sports’ criteria. 

Decoding the CBS Sports Evaluation Process

To build the annual NFL Top 25 under 25 list, CBS Sports writer Tyler Sullivan utilizes a rigorous evaluation process that separates true foundation pieces from temporary, one-year breakout stars. The core rule for selection is simple yet strict: an individual athlete must be 25 years old or younger at the start of the 2026 NFL regular season.

This specific criteria makes it difficult for young players to make the list, as it values sustained high performance over hype. For players coming out of elite college systems, this criteria favors athletes who are already used to playing in high-pressure environments. Navigating a tough college schedule prepares these prospects to meet these high professional standards almost immediately.

Why They Were Selected: Deep Dive into the Crimson Tide Standouts

Both Alabama products selected by CBS Sports have become vital cornerstones for their respective franchises. Their paths from elite college performers to top-tier NFL playmakers highlight their exceptional talent and professional drive.

Will Anderson Jr. (No. 6) — The $150 Million Defensive Anchor

Will Anderson Jr. secured the No. 6 spot on the NFL Top 25 under 25 rankings after proving to be an absolute force for the Houston Texans’ defense. Anderson’s immediate impact on the professional landscape matches the dominant standard he set during his college career.

• Historic Financial Extension: The Houston Texans recently signed Anderson to a three-year, $150 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with $134 million guaranteed.
• Dominant Pass Rush Production: This record-breaking contract follows a historic start to his career, where Anderson has racked up 30 regular-season sacks and 8 postseason sacks.
• Elite Disruption Metrics: He consistently ranks near the top of the league in pass-rush win rate, proving to be a dominant defender who can disrupt entire game plans.
• Pro-Ready Foundation: His success is a direct result of his time in college, where he rewrote defensive records while helping his team win big games and compete for the Heisman Trophy.

Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 9) — The Historic All-Purpose Engine

Coming in at No. 9 on the list, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has established himself as one of the most explosive and versatile offensive weapons in the NFL.

• Unprecedented Rushing Efficiency: Gibbs is just the second player in NFL history to average at least 5.0 yards per carry in each of his first three professional seasons.
• Record-Breaking Scoring Pace: Through his first three seasons, Gibbs has scored 49 total touchdowns, the most by any player in that early stretch of an NFL career.
• Elite Scrimmage Yardage Generation: Over the past two years, Gibbs has recorded an impressive 3,768 scrimmage yards and 38 scrimmage touchdowns, making him a central engine for Detroit’s explosive offense.
• Increased Year 4 Projected Volume: Following Detroit’s offseason roster moves, CBS Sports notes that Gibbs is in line for an even bigger workload, setting up what could be an earth-shattering 2026 campaign.

The Alabama NFL Pipeline: Breeding Ground for Elite Professionals

Alabama has earned a reputation as one of college football’s most consistent producers of NFL talent, regularly developing first-round draft picks and immediate professional contributors. 

The program’s demanding competition, NFL-style coaching, and player development have helped many Crimson Tide alumni transition quickly to the professional level. The early success of Will Anderson Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs is another example of Alabama’s long-standing ability to prepare players for the NFL. 

Sources

• CBS Sports: Official Ranking of the NFL’s Top 25 Players Age 25 and Under for the 2026 Season.
• NFL: Official Player Profiles, Historical Sack Statistics, and Contract Tracking Databases.
• Alabama Athletics: Alumni Career Repositories and Collegiate Accomplishment Logs.
• Sports-Reference: College Football and Professional Football reference indexes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Alabama players made the CBS Sports NFL Top 25 under 25 list for 2026?

Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (No. 6) and Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 9) are the two former Alabama standouts named to the prestigious list.

What are the age requirements for the NFL Top 25 under 25 rankings?

To eligible for selection, a player must be 25 years old or younger at the official start of the NFL regular season.

Why did Will Anderson Jr. rank so high on the 2026 young player list?

Anderson earned his high ranking after recording 30 regular-season sacks, signing a historic $150 million contract extension, and establishing himself as a dominant defensive force.

Conclusion

Will Anderson Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs joining CBS Sports’ Top 25 Under 25 reinforces Alabama’s reputation as one of college football’s premier NFL talent producers. As both players continue developing into franchise cornerstones, their careers remain closely watched by NFL and Crimson Tide fans alike.