Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard returning for 2025 season

Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard will return to Tuscaloosa for the 2025 season, he told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Bernard just wrapped up his first season with the Crimson Tide under head coach Kalen DeBoer, transferring in from Washington.

Leaving for the NFL Draft was certainly an option but after consideration, Bernard will be coming back. A big piece for the Alabama offense moving forward.

“Alabama receiver Germie Bernard, who led the team in catches in 2024, will return to the Crimson Tide in 2025, he told ESPN,” Thamel said via X. “Bernard is a Washington transfer who came over with Kalen DeBoer. He finished the year with 50 catches, 794 yards and two touchdowns.

“Bernard told ESPN he considered the NFL draft for a week, but ultimately decided to return. Both the allure of graduating and a belief in what’s being built at Bama led to his decision.”

Bernard was a part of Washington’s national runner-up team in 2023 but was sat behind three players currently in the NFL. The 2024 season was his first real chance to be a main weapon in DeBoer’s offense. The results were quite positive but something he wants to improve on next year.

The wide receiver position has seen some turnover this offseason already for Alabama. A few players have left the program via the NCAA transfer portal. On the flip, Isaiah Horton joins via Miami but Alabama has made its main focus on retention. Bernard is a huge piece in that equation, joining star soon-to-be sophomore Ryan Williams.

“I know with the people coming back and the newcomers coming in, just being able to have this season to be a leader,” Bernard said via Thamel. “I think we’ll make it really far this year.”

Exactly who is throwing Bernard the football is likely Alabama’s biggest question this offseason. Jalen Milroe is off to the NFL Draft and multiple names are candidates to replace him. This year’s backup, Ty Simpson, likely will be viewed as the favorite heading into spring practice. Others will call for true freshman and former Five-Star Plus+ product Keelon Russell to get an opportunity.

Whoever winds up winning the job, a productive receiver will be there for him in Bernard. Massive news for Alabama as DeBoer looks to make improvements and potentially a College Football Playoff run in 2025.