Bama Modified Spring Game, Tennessee Vols Spring Questions, and Vols Starting DB to Hit the Portal?

As spring practice kicks off for college football teams across the country, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and the developments in player rosters, coaching changes, and team dynamics. In the Southeastern Conference (SEC), two teams in particular have garnered significant attention: the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers. Both programs are entering the spring with high expectations, significant questions to answer, and intriguing storylines that could shape the 2025 college football season. In this article, we will explore the modified spring game for Alabama, the pressing spring questions for Tennessee, and the recent news surrounding a starting defensive back from the Vols who is reportedly entering the transfer portal.

Bama Modified Spring Game: A New Format for an Evolving Team

Every spring, Alabama’s football program holds its annual A-Day spring game, a scrimmage that allows fans to get an early look at how the team is shaping up for the upcoming season. However, in 2025, Alabama has decided to modify its spring game format, marking a departure from the traditional setup. While the exact reasons for this change remain a topic of discussion, it’s clear that Nick Saban and his coaching staff are adapting to the evolving landscape of college football.

The Modified Format: What’s Different?

Typically, Alabama’s spring game features two teams — the Crimson and White teams — that are split from the active roster, offering a somewhat traditional intrasquad scrimmage. However, this year, the spring game will feature a more structured competition, potentially allowing Saban and his coaching staff to simulate more real-game scenarios.

One of the most noticeable changes this year is the inclusion of live situational drills. Instead of simply splitting up the roster into teams and letting them play, Alabama will focus on specific game situations such as red-zone offense, two-minute drills, and short-yardage situations. This could be an attempt to give players a more realistic representation of what to expect during the regular season and to assess how they handle high-pressure moments.

Quarterback Competition: The Spotlight is On

One of the most significant changes at Alabama heading into the 2025 season is the quarterback position. With Bryce Young moving on to the NFL, the quarterback job is wide open. Several players will be vying for the starting role, including Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and possibly even transfer portal additions.

Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action, but he has also struggled with consistency. His ability to lead the offense and make quick decisions in the pocket will be heavily scrutinized during the spring game. Simpson, on the other hand, is a highly touted recruit who has yet to see significant playing time but possesses the arm strength and poise to potentially take over the starting job.

The quarterback competition is expected to be one of the focal points of Alabama’s modified spring game. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who can step up and emerge as the leader of the offense.

Defensive Line Depth: Alabama’s Strength on Defense

Alabama’s defense is historically one of the most dominant units in college football, and despite some departures to the NFL, the Crimson Tide defense remains strong. The defensive line, in particular, is expected to be a major strength in 2025. With elite players such as Dallas Turner, Jaheim Oatis, and Ja’Corey Brooks returning, Alabama will be looking to continue its reputation for having one of the most ferocious defensive lines in the nation.

During the modified spring game, we can expect the defensive line to dominate scrimmages and practice drills. The competition in the trenches will be vital for Alabama’s success moving forward, and it will be exciting to see how the younger players perform alongside established veterans.

Tennessee Vols Spring Questions: What to Watch for in Knoxville

The Tennessee Volunteers have been on an upward trajectory under head coach Josh Heupel, and 2025 promises to be another year of high expectations. As the Vols begin their spring practices, there are several key questions that fans and analysts will be paying attention to. These questions will ultimately help shape the team’s depth chart and determine whether Tennessee can take the next step toward competing for an SEC Championship.

Quarterback Play: Will Joe Milton Take the Next Step?

After Hendon Hooker’s departure, Joe Milton III steps in as the Vols’ starting quarterback for 2025. Milton has a rocket arm and considerable talent, but he has yet to fully translate his potential into consistent performance on the field. In 2024, Milton saw limited action, but in the few games he did play, he showed flashes of brilliance, most notably with his ability to stretch the field with deep passes.

The big question for Tennessee’s spring practices will be whether Milton can improve his accuracy and consistency. In Heupel’s high-powered offense, the quarterback is asked to make quick decisions and deliver accurate passes, often in high-tempo situations. Milton’s development as the signal-caller will be critical to Tennessee’s success this season.

Wide Receiver Corps: Replacing Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman

Tennessee’s offense in recent years has been built on explosive plays through the air, and much of that success can be attributed to the exceptional play of wide receivers like Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman. However, both players have moved on to the NFL, and the Vols must now replace their production. The wide receiver corps in 2025 will be a mix of experienced players and young talent eager to step up.

Players like Squirrel White and Ramel Keyton will be expected to take on larger roles, but the spring will be crucial in identifying whether Tennessee has a reliable No. 1 target. Developing chemistry between Joe Milton and his receivers will be a focal point of the spring practices, as the team works to establish a dynamic passing attack once again.

Defensive Line: Can Tennessee Be More Consistent?

Tennessee’s defense has shown improvements under Heupel, but consistency remains an issue. The Vols’ defensive line has had its moments, particularly with playmakers like Byron Young, but it has also struggled at times against more powerful offensive lines.

In the spring, Tennessee’s coaching staff will be focusing on the defensive front and how they can improve their pass rush and ability to stop the run. If Tennessee is to compete for an SEC title, their defense must be able to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks and limit explosive plays. The spring practices will help identify potential stars on the defensive line, as well as determine whether the Vols have the depth to compete against the best offenses in the conference.

Vols Starting DB to Hit the Portal: A Potential Departure

In a surprise development, Tennessee’s starting defensive back, reportedly a key contributor to their secondary in 2024, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. While the name of the player has not been officially confirmed, this news raises significant questions for Tennessee’s defense moving forward.

Impact on the Secondary: What Does This Departure Mean?

The loss of a starting defensive back could be a significant blow to Tennessee’s secondary, especially considering the defensive back’s role in covering some of the SEC’s most talented wide receivers. The Vols will now be forced to fill this void, either by promoting from within or by looking to the transfer portal for a replacement. The spring will be an opportunity for young players to step up and demonstrate that they can handle the pressure of being a starter in the SEC.

Additionally, this departure may affect Tennessee’s overall depth at the position. If the Vols can’t quickly identify a replacement, they could be in trouble, especially in a conference that is loaded with talented quarterbacks and wide receivers. The coaching staff will need to evaluate their options carefully and make the necessary adjustments before the season starts.

Transfer Portal Activity: A Growing Trend in College Football

The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, and this development is another reminder of how much player movement has impacted the sport in recent years. Teams are constantly adjusting their rosters, and while the transfer portal provides opportunities for players to find new homes, it also leaves programs vulnerable to sudden losses. Tennessee will have to navigate these changes carefully, balancing roster management with the need to stay competitive in the SEC.