The Latest Alabama Football Roster Breakdown: Where the Tide Stand as QB Questions Lead the Way
Alabama football, long known as a juggernaut in college football, enters the 2025 season with an interesting mix of returning talent and new faces across the roster. While the Tide have dominated the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and college football as a whole for much of the last two decades, questions surrounding key positions, particularly quarterback (QB), leave fans wondering how the team will fare in 2025. As always, Alabama’s success is heavily dependent on its roster construction, recruiting efforts, and the ability to integrate new talent into an already-established system under head coach Nick Saban. In this article, we break down the Tide’s roster, taking a close look at the QB situation, positional strengths and weaknesses, and what to expect as the season unfolds.
Quarterback Situation: The Centerpiece of Uncertainty
As is customary for Alabama, the quarterback position is a major storyline heading into the 2025 season. The Tide have seen considerable turnover at the position in recent years, from the early dominance of Tua Tagovailoa to the rise of Bryce Young, and now the Tide are once again in the process of figuring out who will be under center.
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Alabama saw Bryce Young depart for the NFL after his stellar career that culminated in winning the 2021 Heisman Trophy. Young’s leadership, precision, and poise will be sorely missed, leaving a void that must be filled if the Tide are to remain elite.
In terms of returning quarterbacks, the battle is wide open. Jalen Milroe, who saw time as a backup during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, is expected to be one of the top contenders for the starting role. Milroe showed flashes of his talent, particularly with his ability to extend plays with his legs, but also faced some struggles with consistency, accuracy, and decision-making. His dual-threat capabilities are an asset, but he will need to demonstrate that he can lead the offense and perform in critical moments against elite defenses.
Ty Simpson, another highly touted recruit in recent years, is another name to keep an eye on. Simpson was part of the 2023 recruiting class and brings a more traditional passing style to the table. If Simpson can prove himself as a leader and execute the offense with precision, he could challenge Milroe for the starting spot. However, it’s important to note that Simpson hasn’t had the same level of in-game experience as Milroe, and will likely need to demonstrate his poise and ability under pressure to earn the nod.
Beyond those two, Alabama also has Eli Holstein, a 2024 recruit who was one of the top-rated quarterbacks in his class. Holstein enters the program with high expectations, but it remains to be seen whether he can make an immediate impact in 2025. As a true freshman, Holstein could be a wildcard—if he can quickly acclimate to the speed of the SEC and prove his readiness, he may force his way into the competition.
While the quarterback position will certainly be the main point of intrigue throughout spring and summer practices, one thing is clear: whoever emerges as the starter will have a talented supporting cast around them, including a formidable offensive line and a stable of playmaking wide receivers.
Offensive Strengths: The Line and Playmakers
Alabama’s offensive line will be one of the key strengths of the 2025 team. The Tide boast one of the most talented and experienced offensive line units in the country. Led by J.C. Latham, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, Alabama’s front five is poised to dominate in the trenches. Latham’s leadership and physicality are crucial for both the running game and providing protection for the quarterback. Along with Latham, Seth McLaughlin and Tyler Booker are expected to anchor the interior of the line. With strong and experienced players up front, the offensive line should give whichever quarterback wins the job ample time to operate and find playmakers in the passing game.
In the backfield, Alabama remains a formidable threat with Jase McClellan and Justice Haynes, both of whom have the ability to make plays in both the running and passing games. McClellan has experience as a bell-cow back, while Haynes is an up-and-coming talent who could emerge as a star. Alabama’s offensive identity has traditionally leaned on a strong, bruising running game, and the Tide’s depth at running back should continue to provide stability, especially as the quarterback situation unfolds.
On the outside, Alabama has a stable of wide receivers capable of stretching the field and making explosive plays. Jermaine Burton, who had a solid 2024 season, will return as the team’s primary deep threat. His speed and ability to make big plays down the field will be crucial for Alabama’s passing attack, regardless of who plays quarterback. Freshman Cole Adams also figures to make an impact, and his arrival injects another talented playmaker into the receiver room.
With these offensive weapons in place, Alabama’s new quarterback will have plenty of help to succeed, though it will be critical for the QB to establish chemistry with the offensive line and wide receivers early on.
Defensive Overview: The Pillar of Consistency
While much of the attention in 2025 will be focused on Alabama’s quarterback battle, the defense remains a constant pillar for the team. Under Nick Saban’s guidance, Alabama has consistently fielded one of the nation’s top defenses, and 2025 is no different.
The front seven of the defense will be as imposing as ever. Dallas Turner returns as one of the SEC’s premier edge rushers and will be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Turner’s ability to disrupt the pocket and make plays in the backfield will be a key asset for the Tide defense. Alongside him, Chris Braswell and Quinlan O’Loughlin bring depth and talent to the linebacker corps. The front seven as a whole will be tasked with controlling the line of scrimmage and applying pressure to quarterbacks, allowing the secondary to play aggressive coverage.
The secondary is equally loaded, with Kool-Aid McKinstry leading the cornerback group. McKinstry is one of the best cover corners in the nation, and his ability to shut down opposing wide receivers will give Alabama a huge advantage in the passing game. Malachi Moore, who has been a fixture in the secondary for several seasons, will provide veteran leadership at safety. The defensive backfield’s ability to disrupt the passing game will be essential in helping Alabama win high-scoring games if the offense needs time to gel.
With elite talent across the defensive unit, Alabama should remain one of the most difficult teams in the country to score against, even as questions loom over the offense.
Special Teams: Reliable Kicking and Punting
While special teams may not always make headlines, Alabama’s specialists will play a significant role in the success of the 2025 season. Will Reichard, a steady and reliable kicker, will be back for his final season. Reichard has been clutch for Alabama over the years, and his ability to convert field goals from long range will be vital, especially in close games. Additionally, James Burnip, the punter, will continue to provide field-position advantages with his strong leg.
A Season of Transition
Alabama enters the 2025 season with an abundance of talent, but with significant questions, particularly at quarterback. The Tide are in the midst of a transition phase at the most important position on the field, and how that battle unfolds will dictate much of their success. The foundation of the team is built on a strong defense, a powerful offensive line, and playmakers at the skill positions—meaning the new quarterback will not be expected to carry the team on his own. However, the QB will need to demonstrate poise, leadership, and the ability to make plays when needed, as Alabama’s schedule is always filled with tough SEC competition.
If the quarterback position can be stabilized, Alabama will remain a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and on the national stage. If not, 2025 could be a year of growing pains as the team navigates its way through uncertainty at the most critical position in football.
As always, expectations are high in Tuscaloosa, and with Nick Saban at the helm, Alabama is never far from contention.
