Looking Ahead: 2025 Alabama Football Season Preview

As the summer sun beats down across Tuscaloosa and the college football world buzzes with anticipation, all eyes are once again on the Alabama Crimson Tide. The 2025 football season promises to be one of transition, intrigue, and, as always, championship aspirations for a program that has set the standard for dominance in the modern era. As we look ahead to the coming campaign, we examine the key storylines, emerging talent, and the obstacles that loom on Alabama's quest for another title.

New Faces, New Leadership

Perhaps the most significant narrative for Alabama in 2025 revolves around the shifting sands of leadership. With legendary figures having moved on-whether to the NFL or the next chapters of their lives-the Crimson Tide must rely on a new class of captains and playmakers. The coaching staff, too, has experienced turnover, bringing fresh philosophies and renewed energy to both sides of the ball.

On offense, the quarterback position will once again be under the microscope. The battle for QB1 is as fierce as ever, with a new generation vying to etch their name into Alabama lore. The likely contenders-each boasting impressive high school pedigrees and flashes of brilliance from limited game action-will be closely scrutinized throughout spring and fall camp. The competition is expected to bring out the very best in each, and the winner will inherit the keys to one of college football's most potent attacks.

Alabama's quarterback race for 2025 is heating up under head coach Kalen DeBoer, with three main contenders vying to replace Jalen Milroe, who declared for the NFL Draft:

Ty Simpson

- Redshirt junior with the most experience on the roster

- Former five-star recruit from Tennessee

- Took snaps in multiple seasons, including a rough outing against South Florida in 2023

- Currently seen as the favorite to win the job, with betting odds and analysts backing him

Austin Mack

- Transferred from Washington after DeBoer joined Alabama

- Recorded his first collegiate touchdown against Mercer in 2024

- Has familiarity with DeBoer's system, which could give him an edge

Keelon Russell

- Incoming five-star freshman from Duncanville, Texas

- Highest-rated quarterback to sign with Alabama since Bryce Young

- Coaches are reportedly thrilled with his talent and maturity, making him a sneaky favorite despite his youth

The coaching staff hasn't made a final decision yet, and spring practice reps are expected to be competitive. Simpson may lead early, but Russell's upside and Mack's system knowledge keep things interesting.

The defense, always a hallmark of the Crimson Tide, is also in the midst of transformation. Departures to the NFL Draft and graduation have left gaps, but a wealth of young talent waits in the wings. The linebacker corps, long the backbone of Alabama's defense, will be anchored by rising stars eager to showcase their speed, skill, and tenacity. The secondary, replenished through both recruiting and the transfer portal, is poised to clamp down on the SEC's top passing offenses.

s defense in 2025 is stacked with returning talent across all levels, and several players are poised to make a major impact:

Linebackers

- Deontae Lawson: A seasoned leader with 194 career tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss. He's expected to anchor the defense again despite recovering from an ACL injury.

- Qua Russaw: Sophomore standout with speed and physicality. Had 36 tackles and two interceptions last season and is projected to break out in a full-time role.

Defensive Line

- Tim Keenan III: A disruptive force in the middle with 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 2024. He's one of the most consistent performers on the line.

- L.T. Overton: Former five-star recruit who transferred from Texas A&M. Contributed 42 tackles and two sacks last season and is expected to take a bigger role.

- James Smith: Solid contributor with 20 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. He'll help anchor the interior alongside Keenan.

Secondary

- Keon Sabb: Ball-hawking safety who had 39 tackles and two interceptions before an injury cut his season short. He's expected to lead the secondary if fully healthy.

- Bray Hubbard: Versatile safety with 57 tackles and three interceptions. A former high school quarterback, he's known for his instincts and playmaking ability.

- Domani Jackson & Zabien Brown: Returning cornerbacks who bring experience and coverage skills. Jackson had 52 tackles and seven pass breakups, while Brown snagged three interceptions.

With this core group, Alabama's defense could return to its dominant form under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

Alabama is expected to line up in a base 4 – 2- 5 scheme.

Recruiting Reloads the Roster

Alabama's recruiting prowess remains unrivaled, and the 2025 class lives up to the lofty expectations. The Tide have once again secured a top-five recruiting class, featuring blue-chip prospects at every position. From explosive receivers to dominant linemen, the influx of talent promises to elevate practices to a fever pitch and create the kind of internal competition that breeds greatness.

Key among these newcomers are several five-star recruits who turned down offers from across the country to wear crimson and white. The coaching staff's ability to build relationships and sell the vision of Alabama football continues to pay dividends. These true freshmen may see the field sooner rather than later, especially in roles where depth is tested by the rigors of the SEC schedule.

Transfers, too, have become a fact of life in today's college football landscape. Alabama has made strategic additions from the portal, targeting players with experience and proven production at the Power Five level. These transfers are expected to fill immediate needs and provide leadership in the locker room, smoothing the transition for younger players learning the Crimson Tide way.

Alabama brought in a strong group of transfers for the 2025 season, aiming to plug key gaps and boost depth across the board. Here are some of the most notable additions:

Top Incoming Transfers

- Isaiah Horton (WR) – A highly rated wide receiver with a transfer rating of 0.9200, expected to bring explosiveness to the Tide's passing game.

- Nikhai Hill-Green (LB) – Another 0.9200-rated transfer, Hill-Green adds experience and leadership to the linebacker corps.

- Cameron Calhoun (CB) – With a 0.9200 rating, Calhoun strengthens the secondary, a key area for Alabama's defensive scheme.

- Kelby Collins (DL) – A 0.9000-rated defensive lineman who could be a disruptive force up front.

- Kam Dewberry (IOL) – Rated 0.8900, Dewberry brings size and skill to the offensive line.

- Dre'lyn Washington (RB) – Transferred from Louisiana, he rushed for 478 yards and 5 touchdowns last season and adds depth behind Jam Miller.

- Peter Knudson (TE) – From Weber State, Knudson logged 356 snaps and adds veteran presence at tight end.

These transfers are part of Alabama's broader strategy to rebound from a 9-4 season and make a strong push under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

In an interview with AL.com, DeBoer said he expects a "second-year jump" similar to what he's seen at previous programs. He emphasized that the team is "in a much better position" than last year and praised the offseason work ethic:

"We need to be that championship program," said DeBoer. "That means you have to prepare at a championship level."

On the quarterback situation, he acknowledged the importance of finding the right leader among Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell, calling the QB decision "the offensive linchpin" for the Tide's success.

He also reflected on how different things feel compared to 2024, noting that last year they were still scrambling to hire coaches just weeks before spring ball. This year, he said:

"It just feels completely different... I like where we're headed."

Schedule Analysis: The Road to Atlanta

The 2025 schedule offers a tantalizing mix of traditional rivalries and marquee matchups. Early non-conference games will provide opportunities for new starters to gain confidence and for the coaching staff to fine-tune the depth chart. However, there's little room for error once the SEC gauntlet begins.

Key games to circle include the annual showdowns with LSU and Auburn-contests that always carry playoff implications. A mid-season clash with Georgia in Athens could well decide the division and set the tone for the season's second half. Other SEC foes, such as Texas A&M and Ole Miss, will be eager to knock Alabama from its perch, ensuring that no Saturday is taken for granted.

The bye week, strategically placed, should allow for recovery and recalibration before the stretch run. How the team emerges from October's crucible will reveal much about their resilience and championship mettle.

Offensive Outlook: Reload, Not Rebuild

Despite the loss of veteran playmakers to the NFL, Alabama's offense is poised to remain among the nation's elite. The new quarterback will benefit from an experienced offensive line, several returning receivers with game-breaking ability, and a committee of running backs ready to carry the load. The play-calling, shaped by a blend of time-tested schemes and innovative wrinkles, will keep defenses guessing.

One of the most exciting storylines is the emergence of young skill players. The 2025 class includes several dynamic athletes capable of making an immediate impact, whether stretching the field vertically or providing a spark in the return game. The tight end position, often a security blanket for new quarterbacks, features a mix of veterans and newcomers who can exploit mismatches against slower linebackers.

Defensive Determination: Return to Dominance

After a season that saw the defense bend more than Tide fans would prefer, 2025 represents an opportunity for a return to stifling form. The defensive line is stocked with high-motor, physically gifted players who can disrupt opposing backfields. The linebacker unit, though youthful, has shown flashes of brilliance and is expected to develop into a fearsome core as the season progresses.

The secondary, bolstered by both recruits and transfers, will be tested early and often by the SEC's pass-happy offenses. Their ability to communicate, cover, and create turnovers will be critical in close games. Special emphasis in offseason workouts has been placed on tackling fundamentals and ball security, areas identified for improvement.

Special Teams: The X-Factor

Games are often won or lost on the margins, and Alabama's special teams unit is determined to be a difference-maker. The kicking game, with both placekicker and punter returning, provides stability. The return units, infused with speed and vision, are a threat to flip field position or score on any given play.

Coverage units will be a point of emphasis, particularly after a few lapses in the previous year. The coaching staff has vowed to make special teams a priority, understanding that one big play in this phase can swing the outcome of a season-defining contest.

Cultural Continuity and the Alabama Edge

Beyond the X's and O's, what continues to set Alabama apart is its unyielding culture of excellence. The "Process," instilled over years of sustained success, remains the guiding principle for every player, coach, and staff member. Accountability, effort, and a relentless drive to improve are not mere catchphrases in Tuscaloosa-they are the lifeblood of the program.

Off the field, the program's commitment to academics, community involvement, and personal development ensures that Alabama players leave campus prepared for life's challenges, whether in the NFL or beyond.

Season Predictions and Final Thoughts

As prognosticators make their annual predictions, most agree that Alabama will once again be in the playoff conversation. The combination of elite talent, coaching acumen, and battle-tested tradition makes the Crimson Tide a perennial contender.

Yet, this season-perhaps more than any other in recent memory-will test Alabama's resilience and adaptability. With new faces in key positions, a demanding schedule, and the ever-rising standard of SEC competition, nothing is guaranteed. The margin for error is razor-thin, but the opportunity for greatness remains as enticing as ever.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or a casual observer, the 2025 Alabama football season promises drama, excitement, and, above all, the relentless pursuit of excellence that has come to define the Crimson Tide. As autumn approaches and Bryant-Denny Stadium fills with the roar of the faithful, one thing is certain: In Tuscaloosa, the expectation is always the same-win, and win the right way.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report)