Which offensive Alabama football players could characterize the Crimson Tide’s spring practice in 2025?
With Nick Saban’s retirement and the start of the Kalen DeBoer era, Alabama football enters the 2025 spring practice with plenty of intrigue. While the Crimson Tide remains loaded with talent, the offense will have a new identity under DeBoer, who brings an innovative spread attack from Washington.
As Alabama gears up for spring practice, several key offensive players will define the team’s trajectory. Whether it’s a quarterback battle, rising stars at running back and receiver, or an offensive line adjusting to a new system, this spring will be critical in shaping Alabama’s offense for the upcoming season.
Here’s a look at the offensive players who could characterize Alabama’s 2025 spring practice.
Quarterbacks: Who Takes the Reins?
The biggest storyline this spring will be who emerges as Alabama’s starting quarterback in DeBoer’s offense. With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL, the QB battle will be one of the most-watched position competitions in college football.
1. Ty Simpson (Redshirt Junior)
2024 Stats: Limited action, backup to Milroe
- Strengths: Strong arm, good decision-making, experienced in the system
- Concerns: Hasn’t played extended meaningful snaps
Simpson has waited his turn, and this spring will be his chance to prove he can lead Alabama’s offense. He possesses a strong arm and is comfortable making quick reads, which will be key in DeBoer’s offense.
2. Dylan Lonergan (Redshirt Freshman)
2024 Stats: Minimal playing time
- Strengths: Mobility, accuracy, high football IQ
- Concerns: Inexperience at the college level
Lonergan was one of the most highly recruited QBs in his class and could be a sleeper in this battle. His dual-threat ability could give him an edge if Alabama looks for a more mobile quarterback.
3. Five-Star Freshman (Potential Newcomer)
Alabama has been recruiting elite quarterbacks, and a true freshman could enter the mix depending on their performance in spring ball.
🔹 Spring Practice Focus:
- Who takes the lead in DeBoer’s pass-heavy system?
- Can Simpson or Lonergan seize control of the job, or will Alabama explore the transfer portal after spring?
Running Backs: Who Replaces Jase McClellan?
With Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams moving on, Alabama will have a new featured back in 2025. The Tide has several elite options, and spring practice will determine who takes the lead role.
1. Justice Haynes (Sophomore)
2024 Stats:
- Rushing Yards: 700+ (estimated)
- TDs: 6
Haynes is the favorite to take over as Alabama’s No. 1 back. He showed explosiveness and vision as a freshman and has the ability to be an every-down back in DeBoer’s system.
2. Richard Young (Sophomore)
Young is a powerful runner who could complement Haynes in a 1-2 punch. If Alabama leans on physicality, Young’s bruising style could see him earn significant carries.
3. Incoming Freshmen & Transfers
- Alabama’s 2024 recruiting class features highly ranked RBs, and spring practice could showcase a surprise name.
- A transfer portal addition remains a possibility.
🔹 Spring Practice Focus:
- Will Alabama use a committee approach or find a true lead back?
- How will DeBoer’s offensive scheme impact the RBs’ roles?
Wide Receivers: A New Star Could Emerge
Alabama’s receiving corps is stacked with young talent, and 2025 could be the year a new superstar emerges.
1. Isaiah Bond (Junior)
2024 Stats:
- Receptions: 800+ yards
- TDs: 6+
Bond is Alabama’s most experienced and explosive receiver, and spring practice will cement his role as WR1. His elite speed makes him a perfect fit for DeBoer’s vertical passing attack.
2. Kendrick Law (Junior)
Law is a do-it-all receiver who brings physicality and reliability. Expect him to take on a bigger role this season.
3. Jalen Hale (Sophomore)
Hale flashed potential in 2024, and his big-play ability makes him a breakout candidate in spring ball.
4. Ryan Williams (Five-Star Freshman)
Williams reclassified and enrolled early—he’s a true freshman with the ability to be a game-changer from Day 1. Spring will show if he can handle an immediate starting role.
🔹 Spring Practice Focus:
- Can Bond solidify himself as the top target?
- Will Williams or Hale emerge as game-breaking threats?
- How will the QB-WR chemistry develop in the new offense?
Tight Ends: A Bigger Role in the Passing Game?
DeBoer’s system utilizes tight ends effectively, meaning Alabama’s TE group could see more targets in 2025.
1. Amari Niblack (Junior)
Niblack is a matchup nightmare with his size and speed. He showed flashes of dominance in 2024 and could become a primary target in red-zone situations.
2. CJ Dippre (Senior)
Dippre is a veteran presence who is a solid blocker and pass catcher. He’ll be a safety valve for the new quarterback.
🔹 Spring Practice Focus:
- Will Niblack take the next step into stardom?
- How much will the TEs be used in DeBoer’s scheme?
Offensive Line: A New-Look Unit
Alabama’s offensive line has major changes ahead, with key players heading to the NFL Draft.
Returning Starters:
- Tyler Booker (OG, Junior) – Alabama’s best returning lineman, likely a leader in the group.
- Kadyn Proctor (OT, Sophomore) – If he stays at Alabama (rather than transferring), he’ll be a key piece.
- James Brockermeyer (C, Junior) – Will compete for the starting center job.
🔹 Spring Practice Focus:
- Replacing departing starters—Who steps up?
- Can the O-line adapt to a more pass-heavy system?
Final Thoughts: What to Watch in 2025 Spring Practice
With Kalen DeBoer taking over, Alabama’s offense is evolving. Spring practice will be crucial in determining the key players who will lead the Crimson Tide into a new era.
✅ QB Battle: Can Simpson or Lonergan take control, or will Alabama seek a transfer?
✅ RB Depth: Is Haynes ready to be RB1?
✅ WR Breakouts: Will Bond, Hale, or Williams emerge as a game-changer?
✅ O-Line Stability: How quickly will the offensive line adjust to a new system?
With so many changes, Alabama’s 2025 spring practice will be one of the most intriguing in years. Who steps up? We’ll soon find out.
Would you like a deeper dive into specific positions or a comparison to previous Alabama teams? 🚀
