Tyler Booker and Alabama: A Legacy of Excellence Amidst Rivalry Wins
Alabama’s dominance in the Iron Bowl against Auburn continues to shine, even as the Crimson Tide narrowly missed their chance to compete in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. The 2024 Iron Bowl victory (28-14) further cemented the legacy of standout players like Tyler Booker, a prodigious offensive guard whose collegiate achievements are turning heads ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tyler Booker’s Iron Bowl Legacy
Booker joined Alabama in 2022 under Nick Saban’s leadership, embracing the program’s commitment to excellence. With a 3-0 record against Auburn, Booker expressed pride in maintaining this perfect streak during a recent appearance on the New Wave Podcast:
“It feels great, especially when young guys who never played in the game talked about never losing to Alabama. So that makes it feel even better.”
Booker’s remarks subtly addressed Auburn freshman LB Demarcus Riddick, whose pregame confidence (“I wouldn’t lose to Alabama during my time at Auburn”) became a painful irony following the Tigers’ defeat. The loss underscored Alabama’s continued dominance in the rivalry, with the Crimson Tide holding an Iron Bowl win streak dating back to 2020.
Booker’s NFL Draft Stock
As Booker looks ahead to the NFL, his impeccable record against Auburn adds weight to an already impressive resume. At 6’5” and 325 pounds, Booker is recognized as one of college football’s premier offensive linemen, known for his:
- Powerful blocking ability
- Versatility (playing both guard and tackle)
- Reliability in high-pressure games
This season alone, Booker allowed only three QB pressures while excelling in run-blocking roles for RBs Justice Haynes and Jam Miller. These contributions highlight his capability to protect quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe and support dynamic offensive strategies.
Draft Projections
Booker is projected as a Day 1 starter in the NFL. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks him as the No. 22 overall prospect, with a strong potential to land with the Houston Texans, who are looking to bolster their interior offensive line:
“The Texans will make it a priority this offseason to improve the interior of their offensive line, and selecting Booker would be one way of doing that.”
What’s Next for Booker and Alabama?
Booker has one final opportunity to add to his college legacy: Alabama’s showdown with Michigan at the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve. As the junior lineman prepares for the next chapter of his career, his performance in this game could solidify his draft position and cap off an already stellar tenure at Alabama.
With his focus on consistency and excellence, Booker represents the enduring legacy of Alabama football—both in its storied rivalries and in the talent it delivers to the NFL.