2025 Alabama Football Season Preview: Year Two After Saban Begins

The Alabama Crimson Tide enters the 2025 SEC season in a period of transition under second-year Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, following the departure of legendary coach Nick Saban. After a 9-4 record in 2024, Alabama aims to maintain its standard of dominance. While the defense is expected to be a star-studded unit, the biggest question marks lie at quarterback, where a new starter will emerge, and how the team adapts to new leadership and offensive philosophies.

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Storylines Entering the Season

• Quarterback Battle: The most significant storyline is the fierce competition for the starting quarterback job. With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL, redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, and highly-touted true freshman Keelon Russell are all vying for the role. None have made a collegiate start, adding intrigue and uncertainty to the offense.
• New Offensive Coordinator and Scheme: Ryan Grubb takes over as offensive coordinator, bringing his high-powered offensive scheme from Washington. The transition to a new system will be a key factor, especially with an inexperienced starting quarterback.
• Star-Studded Defense: Despite some departures, Alabama’s defense is expected to be a major strength. They boast top-10 units on the defensive line, at linebacker, and in the secondary, with top-tier talent at every defensive position. The focus will be on returning to a stifling, disruptive form.
• Maintaining Championship Culture: The challenge for Kalen DeBoer and his staff is to sustain the championship culture and elite standard established by Nick Saban. The influx of new players and coaching staff means internal buy-in, leadership, and accountability will be crucial.
• Brutal Schedule: Alabama faces a daunting schedule that includes road trips to Florida State, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Auburn, along with home games against Wisconsin, Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma. There is little room for error in this gauntlet.

Key Players

• Ty Simpson (QB, R-Jr.): The early favorite in the quarterback battle, Simpson is a true pocket passer who thrives on rhythm and timing. His ability to handle SEC pressure will be critical.
• Jam Miller (RB, Sr.): Expected to be the primary running back after Justice Haynes’ transfer. Miller was Alabama’s second-leading rusher in 2024 with 668 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Ryan Williams (WR, So.): An electric wide receiver who had a sensational freshman season (865 receiving yards, 8 TDs). He’s considered one of college football’s brightest talents and will be a focal point of the passing game.
• Germie Bernard (WR, Sr.): A transfer from Washington, Bernard is expected to be a key target and bring explosiveness to the receiving corps.
• Kadyn Proctor (OT, Jr.): A dominant offensive tackle who is expected to anchor the offensive line.
• Deontae Lawson (LB, R-Sr.): A seasoned leader at linebacker with extensive career tackles and tackles for loss. He’s expected to anchor the defense despite recovering from an ACL injury.
• LT Overton (EDGE, Sr.): A transfer from Texas A&M, Overton had a breakout 2024 season and is expected to be a major force in generating pass rush.
• Domani Jackson (CB, Sr.): A talented cornerback who will lead the secondary alongside Zabien Brown.
• Keon Sabb (S, R-Jr.): A former Michigan transfer who is expected to reclaim his starting free safety role after missing time with injury.

Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: Ty Simpson (R-Jr.) / Austin Mack (R-So.) / Keelon Russell (Fr.)
• RB: Jam Miller (Sr.) / Richard Young (R-So.) / Daniel Hill (So.)
• WR (X): Isaiah Horton (R-Jr.) / Jalen Hale (R-So.)
• WR (Z): Germie Bernard (Sr.) / Jaylen Mbakwe (So.)
• WR (H/Slot): Ryan Williams (So.) / Cole Adams (R-So.)
• LT: Kadyn Proctor (Jr.) / Jackson Lloyd (Fr.)
• LG: Kam Dewberry (Sr.) / Olaus Alinen (R-So.)
• C: Parker Brailsford (R-Jr.) / Roq Montgomery (R-So.)
• RG: Jaeden Roberts (R-Sr.) / Geno VanDeMark (R-Sr.)
• RT: Wilkin Formby (R-So.) / Arkel Anugwom (R-So.)
• TE (Y): Josh Cuevas (R-Sr.) / Brody Dalton (R-Sr.)
• TE (H): Danny Lewis Jr. (R-Jr.) / Jack Sammarco (So.)

Defense

• BAN (EDGE): LT Overton (Sr.) / Kelby Collins (Jr.)
• NT: Tim Keenan III (R-Sr.) / Jeremiah Beaman (R-Fr.)
• DT: James Smith (Jr.) / Edric Hill (R-So.)
• WOLF (EDGE): Qua Russaw (R-So.) / Jah-Marien Latham (Gr.)
• MLB: Justin Jefferson (Sr.) / Nikhai Hill-Green (Gr.)
• STING (LB): Deontae Lawson (R-Sr.) / Cayden Jones (So.)
• LCB: Domani Jackson (Sr.) / Cam Calhoun (R-So.)
• SS: Bray Hubbard (Jr.) / Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. (So.)
• FS: Keon Sabb (R-Jr.) / Zavier Mincey (So.)
• RCB: Zabien Brown (So.) / Dijon Lee Jr. (Fr.)
• HUSKY (NB): DaShawn Jones (R-Sr.) / Red Morgan (So.)

Special Teams

• P: Blake Doud (R-Sr.) / Alex Asparuhov (Fr.)
• PK: Conor Talty (R-So.)
• KR: Cole Adams (R-So.) / Ryan Williams (So.)
• PR: Ryan Williams (So.) / Cole Adams (R-So.)

Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define Alabama’s 2025 season:

1. August 30 at Florida State: This highly anticipated season opener against a fellow national contender is a massive test for Kalen DeBoer’s new-look Crimson Tide. Playing FSU on the road provides an immediate opportunity to gauge the team’s readiness and set a tone for the entire season.
2. September 27 at Georgia: A monumental early-season SEC East vs. West clash in Athens. This game could very well decide the SEC Championship Game participants and will be a true measure of where Alabama stands under DeBoer against a top-tier program.
3. November 8 vs. LSU: The annual rivalry game against LSU in Tuscaloosa is always a high-stakes affair with significant SEC and national title implications. This home game will be a crucial test for the new quarterback and could determine Alabama’s path to the College Football Playoff.

Lee Bushkell

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