A Way-Too-Early Look at Alabama Football’s Projected Offensive Depth Chart for 2025
Alabama football has established itself as a perennial powerhouse under head coach Nick Saban, with consistent success in recruiting, player development, and national championships. As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, it’s already time to start thinking ahead to the 2025 campaign. A critical part of any football team’s long-term success is its depth chart, especially on the offensive side of the ball, where playmakers, offensive linemen, and quarterbacks are essential to sustaining elite-level performance.
Although there are countless variables that will shape Alabama’s 2025 offense—including recruiting success, player development, transfers, injuries, and how the 2024 season unfolds—it’s still possible to make an educated guess about what the depth chart might look like. Here’s a way-too-early look at Alabama football’s projected offensive depth chart for 2025, breaking it down position by position.
Quarterback
Projected Starter: Julian Sayin
Projected Backup: Eli Holstein
Additional Depth: Brock Glenn
Analysis:
Alabama’s quarterback situation is likely to be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into 2025. By then, Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2024 (likely either Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson) will either have declared for the NFL Draft or potentially used up his eligibility. The Crimson Tide are expected to hand the reins to a highly touted freshman or a second-year player who has already been in the system for some time.
Julian Sayin, a 5-star recruit out of California, has the potential to be the face of the program as he enters his sophomore season in 2025. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and football IQ gives him a real chance to start if he can prove himself in the 2024 season. Backup Eli Holstein, another top-tier recruit, brings a slightly different skill set and should provide depth if Sayin falters. Both Sayin and Holstein are incredibly talented, and they will likely battle for the starting role in spring and fall camps.
Brock Glenn, a 4-star quarterback, is another potential factor in the competition, though he might be considered a longer shot to start in 2025. Regardless of who emerges as the starter, Alabama will have a wealth of talent at the most important position on the field.
Running Back
Projected Starter: Justice Haynes
Projected Backup: Richard Young
Additional Depth: Kendall Jackson, Jamari Thomas
Analysis:
The running back position at Alabama is one that continually cycles in elite talent, and 2025 will be no exception. By that point, Justice Haynes, the highly touted 5-star recruit from Georgia, is expected to be a dominant force in the backfield. Haynes’ vision, burst, and ability to break tackles should make him the focal point of the offense, with an established role as the starting running back.
Behind Haynes, Richard Young, another highly ranked freshman, could provide an explosive second option. Young’s combination of size, speed, and power make him a versatile back that could get plenty of carries as a change-of-pace back or in short-yardage situations.
Kendall Jackson and Jamari Thomas, if they are still part of the program, will provide additional depth and help maintain freshness in the running back rotation. With Alabama’s commitment to a balanced offensive attack, it’s likely that multiple backs will play significant roles throughout the 2025 season.
Wide Receiver
Projected Starters:
- Jalen Hale (X receiver)
- Cole Adams (Z receiver)
- Kobe Prentice (Slot receiver)
Projected Backup:
- Amari Niblack
- Javier Banks
- Shazz Preston
Analysis:
Alabama’s wide receiver room is traditionally among the most talented in the country, and 2025 should be no different. The top names in the mix will likely include Jalen Hale, a 5-star recruit who has the ability to stretch the field and make big plays as an outside receiver. Hale will be the X receiver, tasked with lining up on the outside and going deep. His size, speed, and ball skills should allow him to be a true deep threat for the Crimson Tide offense.
Cole Adams, another talented recruit, is expected to take the starting Z receiver spot, where he can be a versatile weapon, able to run a variety of routes. His quickness and sharp route running will make him a key part of the passing game, especially in the short-to-intermediate range.
The slot position will likely be manned by Kobe Prentice, a speedy and elusive receiver who has the potential to create mismatches against slower linebackers or overmatched cornerbacks. Prentice’s quickness and ability to work underneath routes will make him a reliable safety valve for Alabama’s quarterback.
Behind the starters, Amari Niblack and Javier Banks provide a wealth of potential. Niblack could take over for Prentice in the slot or could even see time as a versatile option across the formation. Meanwhile, Shazz Preston’s ability to stretch the field and create big plays could also help keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Tight End
Projected Starter: C.J. Dupree
Projected Backup: Amari Niblack
Additional Depth: Ty Lockwood
Analysis:
Tight end has been a critical position for Alabama in recent years, with Nick Saban’s offenses increasingly relying on this spot to create mismatches in the passing game and provide solid blocking support in the run game. C.J. Dupree, a transfer from Maryland who will be an upperclassman in 2025, is expected to be a key piece of the offense. Dupree’s experience in the Big Ten, combined with his physicality and playmaking ability, will make him a trusted option in both the running and passing game.
Amari Niblack, who could be a top receiver as well, will also see time at tight end. His versatility and athleticism make him a dangerous weapon both in-line and as a pass catcher. Ty Lockwood, another highly regarded recruit, could develop into a reliable contributor, offering depth at the position.
Offensive Line
Projected Starters:
- LT: Elijah Pritchett
- LG: Terrence Ferguson
- C: James Brockermeyer
- RG: J’Marion Miller
- RT: Kadyn Proctor
Projected Backup:
- Amari Kight
- Tyler Booker
- Drew Bobo
Analysis:
The offensive line is always a critical part of Alabama’s success, and by 2025, the Tide will likely boast a physically imposing and highly talented group. Elijah Pritchett is expected to be the starting left tackle, protecting the blindside of the quarterback and ensuring that Alabama’s offensive playmakers have time to operate. Pritchett has all the tools to be a dominant player at the position.
Terrence Ferguson, a rising star, could be a fixture at left guard, providing strength and physicality in the running game. James Brockermeyer, who has been in the program for a few years, is likely to be the starting center in 2025. Brockermeyer’s experience and leadership will be key to anchoring the line and calling out protections.
On the right side, J’Marion Miller could be an ideal fit at right guard, with his blend of size and mobility. Kadyn Proctor, one of the top offensive line recruits in the country, will almost certainly be the starting right tackle. Proctor’s athleticism and size will make him a cornerstone of the line for years to come.
Behind the starters, Amari Kight, Tyler Booker, and Drew Bobo will add crucial depth, ensuring that Alabama has capable backups in case of injury or poor performance.
