The 2025 Alabama football season is shaping up to be a pivotal one, as the team looks to continue its dominance in college football under head coach Nick Saban. While the Crimson Tide enters the season with a strong foundation, there are key position battles that will significantly impact the team’s success. As with any championship contender, maintaining excellence at each position is paramount, and 2025 is no different. Several critical position battles will unfold in the lead-up to the season, and these positions will determine the overall identity and competitiveness of the team.
1. Quarterback Battle: Jalen Milroe vs. Ty Simpson vs. Dylan Lonergan
The quarterback position is arguably the most important battle heading into the 2025 Alabama football season. The Tide has historically enjoyed elite quarterback play, with names like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Mac Jones leading the charge in recent years. Following the departure of Jalen Milroe, who started several games in 2024, the team enters 2025 with a somewhat untested group vying for the starting role.
Jalen Milroe is the front-runner heading into the spring due to his experience and raw athletic ability. Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities have made him a dangerous playmaker, and his mobility in the pocket is an asset in an offense that often relies on a dynamic signal-caller. However, Milroe’s inconsistency with his passing accuracy has raised concerns. In 2024, he showed flashes of brilliance, but he also had struggles against top-tier competition, including a rough outing in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. Milroe’s development in reading defenses and improving his accuracy will be the key factors to determine if he can hold onto the starting job.
Ty Simpson, the highly touted sophomore, comes into the battle with a lot of hype. As a former 5-star recruit, Simpson has the tools to thrive in Alabama’s pro-style offense, with a powerful arm and the ability to make all the throws on the field. His potential was evident during his limited appearances in 2024, and there is a strong belief that Simpson is poised for a breakout year. However, he will have to prove he can handle the pressure of leading the offense, especially with so many expectations surrounding him.
Dylan Lonergan, the incoming freshman, is another name to watch. While he is less experienced than Milroe and Simpson, Lonergan is a highly skilled quarterback who was a major get for Alabama’s recruiting class. Lonergan has a great understanding of the game, solid footwork, and a strong arm. He could challenge the upperclassmen for the starting job if he impresses during the offseason and throughout fall camp.
This quarterback battle will dominate headlines throughout the preseason. Alabama has the luxury of depth at this position, but the team’s success hinges on finding a consistent leader who can execute at a high level. The development of whichever quarterback earns the starting role will be a significant factor in Alabama’s championship aspirations in 2025.
2. Running Back: Jase McClellan vs. Roydell Williams vs. Justice Haynes
While the quarterback position takes the most attention, the running back position at Alabama has always been one of the team’s strongest units. The 2025 season is no different, with a highly competitive running back room filled with talent and depth.
Jase McClellan enters the season as the veteran in the group, and he has shown flashes of brilliance in his career. McClellan has the experience, speed, and vision to be the focal point of Alabama’s offense. In 2024, McClellan had a strong season, displaying excellent power and balance between the tackles. His ability to break off long runs and be a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield makes him a versatile option for offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. However, McClellan will need to continue his development as an every-down back if he hopes to secure the starting role.
Roydell Williams, another experienced back, brings a similar skill set to McClellan. Williams’ running style is characterized by his north-south running and ability to churn out tough yards. In 2024, Williams showed flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully claim the starting spot in the Tide’s backfield. His consistency and ability to perform in big moments will be critical for him to rise to the top of the depth chart. Williams’ ability to stay healthy and avoid nagging injuries will also be something to watch throughout the season.
Justice Haynes, the true freshman, is the wild card in the battle. A 5-star recruit, Haynes brings a different element to the Alabama backfield. Known for his speed, agility, and explosiveness, Haynes could add a new dimension to the offense if he is able to adapt quickly to the college game. Freshmen running backs have historically made an immediate impact at Alabama, and Haynes has the talent to challenge for significant playing time. His ability to perform in practice and in the early season will determine how quickly he can push for the starting role.
With Alabama’s running back group as deep and talented as it is, the competition will be fierce. The Tide has the luxury of multiple running backs who can each provide a unique skill set to the offense. The battle between McClellan, Williams, and Haynes will be crucial to determining the team’s ground game and offensive identity in 2025.
3. Offensive Line: Left Tackle and Right Guard
The offensive line has long been a strength for Alabama, but in 2025, there will be significant competition for key starting spots, particularly at left tackle and right guard. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line is crucial to both their run game and pass protection, so these battles will be crucial for the team’s success.
At left tackle, Alabama must replace one of the program’s all-time greats, and this will be one of the most closely watched position battles during the preseason. Several candidates are expected to compete for this starting job, including players like J.V. Hunter and Caden Proctor, both of whom have elite potential. Hunter, a senior, has been a steady contributor for the Tide over the years, and Proctor, a 5-star recruit, has the talent to step in and immediately play at a high level. Alabama will need to solidify this position in order to protect whichever quarterback wins the job.
The right guard position is another area of concern. With multiple players vying for the role, including James Brockermeyer and Wyatt Milum, there is no clear-cut favorite. Alabama’s offensive line has produced high-quality players over the years, and the Tide will need to find a reliable option at this position. The battle at right guard will be critical to providing the stability needed for both the run and pass game.
4. Wide Receiver: Jermaine Burton vs. Isaiah Bond vs. Kobe Prentice
Wide receiver is another position of interest in 2025, as Alabama looks to replace key departures from previous seasons. While the Crimson Tide has historically had elite wideouts, including recent standouts like DeVonta Smith and Jameson Williams, the 2025 squad will need to develop a new set of playmakers on the outside.
Jermaine Burton, now an upperclassman, is the most experienced receiver on the roster. After transferring to Alabama in 2023, Burton showed flashes of his potential but has yet to emerge as a true number-one receiver. His consistency in 2025 will be key, as the Tide will need him to step up as the top target in the passing game.
Isaiah Bond, a younger player, impressed in 2024 with his speed and ability to stretch the field. Bond has the skills to be a deep threat and could be a breakout star in 2025 if he takes the next step in his development. His chemistry with whichever quarterback wins the starting role will be crucial.
Kobe Prentice, another highly talented wideout, has the potential to be a reliable and consistent option for Alabama. His ability to make plays in both the short and intermediate game gives the Tide a well-rounded option to complement the deeper threats.
The wide receiver position is wide open, and all three of these players will be competing for significant roles. With Alabama’s offense likely to emphasize a more balanced attack, the development of its receiving corps will be vital to the team’s success.
