In 2025, who will start for Alabama football? These are preliminary estimates.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, Alabama football remains one of the most consistently dominant programs in the country, boasting a legacy of success under head coach Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide continues to recruit at an elite level, ensuring a steady influx of top-tier talent year after year. With Alabama’s spring practices already underway and the roster evolving, fans and analysts are eagerly speculating about who will take the field as starters for the 2025 season.

While it’s still early in the offseason, we can make some educated projections about the players who are likely to step into starting roles. Alabama is a program that blends experience with youth, and in 2025, several positions will see new faces, while others will continue to be manned by established stars. From quarterback to defensive line, every position group will play a critical role in the team’s success. Let’s break down the early projections for Alabama’s starting lineup for the 2025 season.

Offensive Line: Alabama’s Strong Foundation

The offensive line will likely remain one of Alabama’s strongest units in 2025, as the Crimson Tide has long prided itself on having one of the most dominant offensive fronts in college football. With offensive line coach Eric Wolford continuing to develop talent, the line in 2025 will feature a mix of returning players and highly-rated newcomers.

Projected Starters:

• Left Tackle: J.C. Latham (Senior)
• Left Guard: Tyler Booker (Junior)
• Center: Seth McLaughlin (Senior)
• Right Guard: Terrence Ferguson (Junior)
• Right Tackle: Elijah Pritchett (Sophomore)

J.C. Latham, one of the top tackles in college football, will be a cornerstone of the offensive line. A seasoned veteran, Latham brings size, strength, and leadership to the unit, and he’ll be counted on to protect the quarterback’s blindside. Tyler Booker, another highly rated recruit, is expected to take over as a key starter, potentially at left guard, after a standout 2024 campaign. Seth McLaughlin, who started multiple games for Alabama over the past few seasons, will likely anchor the middle of the line at center. Terrence Ferguson, who is considered a future star, will step into a starting role at right guard, while Elijah Pritchett, a promising young talent, is projected to start at right tackle.

This group will be critical to Alabama’s offensive success, particularly in terms of providing protection for the quarterback and establishing a strong running game.

Quarterback: The Big Question Mark

Quarterback has been a position of great importance for Alabama since the days of Joe Namath, and as of 2025, the Crimson Tide is looking to continue its tradition of elite play under center. Alabama has had some of the top quarterbacks in the country over the years, from Tua Tagovailoa to Mac Jones and Bryce Young, and the expectation is that the next great signal-caller is ready to emerge in 2025. With several talented quarterbacks on the roster, it’s unclear who will start, but the competition is expected to be fierce.

Projected Starter:

• Quarterback: Jalen Milroe (Junior)

Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback who impressed in limited action as a freshman and sophomore, is the early favorite to take over as the starter. Milroe has been highly praised for his athleticism and playmaking ability, and after spending two seasons learning behind Bryce Young, he’s likely ready to take the reins. His mobility and ability to make plays with his legs add an additional dimension to Alabama’s offense, and his strong arm gives him the potential to thrive in both short and deep passing situations.

While other quarterbacks like Ty Simpson (who was highly regarded coming out of high school) will certainly challenge for the job, Milroe’s experience and upside make him the front-runner. This will be Milroe’s time to prove he’s capable of leading Alabama to a national championship.

Running Back: The Workhorse Backfield

Alabama has a rich tradition of producing elite running backs, and in 2025, the running back group is loaded with talent. Alabama’s offensive system relies heavily on a strong rushing attack, and the running backs will be called upon to carry the load in the Crimson Tide’s high-powered offense. While there are a few players vying for the starting job, one standout will likely emerge as the top option for Alabama.

Projected Starter:

• Running Back: Justice Haynes (Freshman)

Justice Haynes, one of the top running back recruits in the country in the 2025 class, is expected to be the starting running back for Alabama in 2025. Haynes comes from a football family, with his father, Verron Haynes, having played in the NFL. Justice is known for his vision, quickness, and ability to make defenders miss, and he has the perfect blend of size and speed to thrive in Alabama’s pro-style offense. His combination of balance and speed allows him to break tackles while also being a threat in the open field.

Other candidates like Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams will certainly see significant playing time, especially in a committee approach, but Haynes has the talent to be the workhorse back who shoulders the majority of the carries for Alabama in 2025.

Wide Receivers: A Dangerous Passing Attack

Alabama’s wide receiver corps in 2025 is expected to be one of the most dangerous in the country, with a mix of proven veterans and explosive young talent. Alabama has recruited some of the best wide receivers in recent years, and with Milroe likely at quarterback, the passing attack will be crucial to the team’s success.

Projected Starters:

• Wide Receiver 1: Ja’Corey Brooks (Junior)
• Wide Receiver 2: Isaiah Bond (Sophomore)
• Slot Receiver: Kendrick Law (Sophomore)

Ja’Corey Brooks, who has flashed big-play potential during his time at Alabama, is expected to be the go-to receiver in 2025. Brooks has been a reliable target for the Crimson Tide, and his ability to stretch the field vertically will be a key asset in Alabama’s offense. Isaiah Bond, a speedy and dynamic receiver, will likely earn a starting spot on the other side. Bond’s ability to take the top off the defense and make explosive plays will complement the physicality of Brooks.

In the slot, Kendrick Law, a shifty and explosive receiver, will have the opportunity to make a significant impact in 2025. His quickness and route-running ability give him the potential to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, especially in short-to-medium passing situations.

With Milroe at quarterback, this trio of wide receivers will be integral to Alabama’s success in the passing game. Expect a balanced offense with a strong mix of run and pass plays, with these receivers being key contributors in both vertical and short-range routes.

Defensive Line: Dominant in the Trenches

Alabama’s defense is one of the most feared units in college football, and the defensive line will remain a major strength in 2025. The Crimson Tide has consistently produced top-tier defensive linemen, and with some key departures after the 2024 season, new faces will be stepping up to carry the torch.

Projected Starters:

• Defensive End: Dallas Turner (Junior)
• Defensive Tackle: Jamil Muhammad (Junior)
• Defensive Tackle: Tim Keenan III (Junior)
• Defensive End: Chris Braswell (Senior)

Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell are the projected starters at defensive end, with both players having the ability to pressure the quarterback and play the run effectively. Turner, in particular, has shown a knack for getting to the quarterback, and his explosiveness off the edge will make him one of the top pass-rushers in college football in 2025.

In the middle, Jamil Muhammad and Tim Keenan III will provide a powerful presence in the trenches. Muhammad’s strength and quickness make him a disruptive force, while Keenan’s size and technique will anchor the line.

With this group of defensive linemen, Alabama’s front seven will remain as one of the most formidable units in college football.

Linebackers: A Strong, Experienced Unit

Alabama’s linebackers in 2025 will feature a mix of veterans and rising stars. The linebacker corps has long been one of the strongest parts of Alabama’s defense, and this year will be no different.

Projected Starters:

• Outside Linebacker: Will Anderson Jr. (Junior)
• Inside Linebacker: Henry To’o To’o (Senior)
• Inside Linebacker: Deontae Lawson (Junior)
• Outside Linebacker: Jihad Campbell (Sophomore)

Will Anderson Jr. is one of the most anticipated players in college football and is expected to be a star in 2025. His ability to rush the passer and play in coverage will make him one of the most disruptive players in the game. Henry To’o To’o will bring experience and leadership to the middle of the defense, while Deontae Lawson will play a key role alongside him at inside linebacker. Jihad Campbell, an explosive young player, will be expected to make an immediate impact on the outside.

Defensive Backfield: The Key to Alabama’s Secondary

In 2025, Alabama’s secondary will continue to be a focal point of the defense, with a mix of returning veterans and highly-touted recruits.

Projected Starters:

• Cornerback: Kool-Aid McKinstry (Junior)
• Cornerback: Eli Ricks (Senior)
• Safety: Brian Branch (Senior)
• Safety: Malachi Moore (Junior)

Kool-Aid McKinstry is expected to be the top cornerback, with his speed and ball skills making him one of the premier defenders in the country. Eli Ricks will complement him on the other side, bringing experience and ability to lock down top receivers. Brian Branch and Malachi Moore will round out the secondary at safety, bringing versatility and playmaking ability.