The 2025 Alabama football season is poised to be another exciting chapter in the storied history of the Crimson Tide. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, the program consistently competes at the highest level of college football, and the upcoming season will be no different. With the promise of new talent, emerging players, and a highly competitive roster, there are numerous position battles to watch closely as Alabama prepares for the 2025 campaign. This article delves into the key position battles for the Alabama football team in 2025, examining the personnel, the competition, and the stakes at each position.
1. Quarterback: The Battle for the Starting Spot
Candidates:
- Ty Simpson: The redshirt sophomore is a highly touted former five-star recruit who has been waiting for his opportunity to take over as the starting quarterback. Simpson has shown flashes of potential in limited action, but his ability to lead the offense for a full season remains to be seen.
- Jalen Milroe: The dual-threat quarterback had an up-and-down 2024 season, showing incredible athleticism and explosiveness but also struggling with consistency and decision-making. Milroe’s experience and dynamic playmaking ability make him a legitimate contender for the starting job, but his development in the offseason will be critical.
Analysis:
The quarterback position at Alabama has long been a place of stability under Nick Saban, with legendary figures like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Bryce Young running the offense. In 2025, however, the Crimson Tide faces uncertainty at the most important position on the field. The battle between Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe will be one of the most closely watched storylines throughout spring practice and the preseason. Simpson is a more traditional pocket passer, while Milroe offers a higher ceiling as a dual-threat weapon. Ultimately, Saban’s decision will come down to which player can take control of the offense, make the necessary throws, and limit mistakes.
2. Running Back: Replacing a Star
Candidates:
- Justice Haynes: A highly regarded freshman in 2024, Haynes showed glimpses of his potential during his first year on campus. The talented running back has the vision, speed, and explosiveness to be a feature back for Alabama, but he’ll need to prove he can handle a heavy workload.
- Jase McClellan: McClellan has been a reliable contributor to the Alabama backfield over the past few seasons. While not as flashy as some of the other running backs in the conference, McClellan’s toughness and ability to gain yards after contact make him a solid option. His experience could give him the edge over the younger players in the competition.
- Richard Young: Another highly touted freshman, Young is expected to make an immediate impact. His combination of size and speed makes him a dangerous weapon in the running game, and his development throughout the spring and fall will be crucial to the team’s success.
Analysis:
Alabama has long been known for its dominant rushing attack, and with the departure of standout running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs, the 2025 season presents an opportunity for a new star to emerge. Justice Haynes, with his natural ability and upside, has the potential to take over the starting role, but he’ll face stiff competition from the more seasoned Jase McClellan and the highly anticipated Richard Young. The battle will likely come down to who can create the most explosive plays and who is best able to handle the physicality of the SEC schedule. Alabama’s offensive line, which will also be a work in progress, will play a significant role in determining how successful the running backs can be.
3. Wide Receiver: Finding a Go-To Target
Candidates:
- Isaiah Bond: Bond had a breakout year in 2024 and figures to be one of the top returning receivers for Alabama in 2025. With his combination of speed, route running, and ability to stretch the field, Bond could emerge as the team’s primary target.
- Kendrick Law: Law is another player who has shown flashes of his potential. A versatile weapon capable of contributing in a variety of ways, he could be a valuable piece of the offense, particularly if he can develop into a consistent threat in the passing game.
- Jeremiah Alexander: Alexander’s size and physicality make him an intriguing option at wide receiver. If he can continue to develop his route running and chemistry with the quarterback, he could challenge for a starting role in 2025.
Analysis:
Alabama has consistently boasted one of the nation’s most talented receiving corps, and the 2025 season should be no different. The key question, however, will be who steps up as the go-to target. Isaiah Bond appears to be the frontrunner based on his production in 2024, but Kendrick Law and Jeremiah Alexander are both capable of breaking out. Saban’s offense relies heavily on the ability to spread the field and create mismatches, so the wide receiver battle will be pivotal to the team’s success. Players who can separate, make plays in the open field, and develop chemistry with the quarterback will have the inside track to starting roles.
4. Offensive Line: Developing Consistency
Candidates:
- JC Latham: One of the top offensive line prospects in the country, Latham has started at tackle for Alabama for the past two seasons. He is a key piece of the offensive line puzzle and will likely remain in a starting role, but he will need to continue to grow and develop as a leader up front.
- Tyler Booker: A versatile offensive lineman who has experience playing both guard and tackle, Booker is expected to take on a larger role in 2025. His ability to play multiple positions gives the coaching staff flexibility, but he’ll need to lock down a specific spot on the line.
- Elijah Pritchett: Pritchett’s progression throughout the spring and summer will be critical. As a former highly rated recruit, Pritchett has the physical tools to become a dominant force on the line, but he will need to earn the trust of the coaching staff to secure a starting spot.
Analysis:
Alabama’s offensive line has been a strength in recent years, but with several key departures and a mix of returning players and new faces, 2025 will be a season of rebuilding up front. JC Latham and Tyler Booker are the anchors of the unit, but the development of younger players like Elijah Pritchett and others will be crucial. The competition for spots on the interior and at tackle will be fierce, as the Crimson Tide looks to create a cohesive and powerful offensive line capable of both pass protection and paving the way for a potent running game.
5. Defensive Line: Replacing Key Contributors
Candidates:
- Jaheim Oatis: A standout in 2024, Oatis is expected to play a prominent role in the Alabama defensive line rotation in 2025. His size and strength make him a force against the run, but he’ll need to refine his pass-rushing technique to become a complete player.
- Tim Keenan: Keenan’s experience will be vital in 2025, especially as Alabama works to replace some of its top defensive line talent. Keenan has been a steady contributor and could take on a larger role this season.
- Jahari Black: Black is a rising star in the Alabama program, with the potential to make an immediate impact. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback will be crucial for a defense that prides itself on getting after the passer.
Analysis:
The Alabama defensive line will face significant turnover in 2025, with several key players from the 2024 roster moving on to the NFL. As a result, the position battle in the trenches will be one of the most important for the team. Jaheim Oatis has the potential to be a star, but the defensive line depth behind him will need to emerge in order to maintain Alabama’s dominance in the front seven. The Crimson Tide’s defensive success often begins with a powerful defensive line, and the development of younger players like Jahari Black will be crucial to ensuring the unit remains a strength.
6. Linebacker: Replacing Key Veterans
Candidates:
- Dallas Turner: Turner is the centerpiece of Alabama’s linebacker corps and one of the most talented defensive players in the country. After a stellar 2024 season, he is expected to be a dominant force for the Crimson Tide in 2025.
- Jahmyr Gibbs: Gibbs, a versatile linebacker who can impact both the run and pass game, will need to step up in a larger role in 2025. His ability to cover ground and make plays in all areas of the field will be critical to the defense’s success.
- King Makabe: A younger player who has shown promise, Makabe will need to continue his development and earn more playing time. If he can prove he’s ready to handle the physical demands of SEC play, he could be a key contributor.
Analysis:
Alabama’s linebacker position has long been a strength, but with several key players departing, the 2025 season will offer opportunities for younger players to step into prominent roles. Dallas Turner’s leadership and playmaking ability will be vital, but the emergence of other players like Gibbs and Makabe will be crucial for Alabama’s success on defense. Linebackers who can play sideline to sideline, cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game, and contribute as tacklers in the run game will be essential to maintaining Alabama’s defensive identity.
7. Defensive Back: Rebuilding the Secondary
Candidates:
- Kool-Aid McKinstry: One of the top cornerbacks in the country, McKinstry is expected to be a lockdown defender in 2025. His ability to shut down opposing wide receivers and make plays on the ball will be critical to Alabama’s defensive success.
- Malachi Moore: Moore has been a steady contributor to the Alabama secondary and is poised for a larger role in 2025. His versatility as a safety and nickelback will give the defense flexibility and depth.
- Jaylen Key: A rising star in the secondary, Key’s development will be crucial for Alabama’s pass defense. If he can continue to improve and gain confidence, he could become a key playmaker in the back end of the defense.
Analysis:
Alabama’s secondary will be a major focus in 2025, as the team looks to replace some key contributors from the previous season. Kool-Aid McKinstry’s presence at cornerback gives the defense a steady force on one side, but the development of players like Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key will be crucial to the team’s overall success. Alabama has traditionally been known for its strong secondary, and the 2025 season will be no different if the coaching staff can develop these players into a cohesive unit capable of defending the pass and supporting the run defense.
In conclusion, the 2025 Alabama football season is shaping up to be one of fierce competition and high expectations. With key position battles across the offense and defense, the Crimson Tide will need to develop a cohesive team that can compete for another SEC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Whether it’s the quarterback battle, the emergence of new stars in the running back and receiver corps, or the development of the defensive line and secondary, Alabama’s success in 2025 will depend on how these position battles unfold. The players who step up and perform when it matters most will define the season and potentially elevate the Crimson Tide to another championship level.
