The 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide begin spring football without three of their best returning defenders

As the Alabama Crimson Tide march into the spring football season in 2025, they find themselves facing an unusually significant challenge: the absence of three of their best returning defenders. Typically known for a deep, talented roster on both sides of the ball, Alabama is dealing with some uncertainty on the defensive side as they prepare for what is expected to be a competitive 2025 season. The Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, have a long tradition of excellence, particularly on defense, so the absence of key defensive players is both a rare and concerning situation.

The loss of these three important defenders, while not entirely unforeseen, will certainly have ramifications. Spring football is typically a time for coaches to assess their rosters, implement new systems, and develop players for the upcoming season. For Alabama, these defensive absences create a dynamic that will challenge their depth and development.

With the 2025 season just around the corner, here’s a closer look at the situation surrounding Alabama’s defense, the players missing from spring practice, and how the team can respond in order to maintain their championship-contending status.

Who’s Missing from Spring Football?

Alabama’s defense in 2025 will be missing a trio of stars who were expected to be major contributors. While injuries and personal decisions sometimes lead to such absences, in this case, the missing defenders are either rehabbing from injuries, making decisions about their future, or facing off-the-field issues that have kept them off the practice field. Here’s a breakdown of the three key players who will not be part of spring football:

1. Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE Rusher)

The first name that stands out is Will Anderson Jr., who has been a game-changer for Alabama’s defense over the last several seasons. One of the most dominant edge rushers in college football, Anderson has been a key factor in the Crimson Tide’s defensive success. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and set the tone for the defense has been unmatched, and he is widely regarded as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, Anderson decided to skip the spring practices to focus on preparing for the upcoming draft. His decision to forgo the spring workouts is a smart one, as he has already proven his dominance at the collegiate level. While Alabama will miss his leadership and production, his absence is understandable, given his future aspirations. The Crimson Tide’s defensive line will need to find a way to replicate Anderson’s presence on the field, as his ability to create chaos in the backfield has been critical to Alabama’s defense.

2. Jaylen Moody (Inside Linebacker)

Another key defender absent from the 2025 spring practices is Jaylen Moody, a veteran inside linebacker. Moody has been a leader on Alabama’s defense for several years, and his ability to read offenses and get into the backfield has been a key component of the team’s success. As a senior in 2024, Moody was expected to anchor the linebacking corps and be a central figure in the middle of Alabama’s defense.

However, during the offseason, Moody suffered a minor injury that will keep him out for most of the spring practice period. While the injury isn’t expected to be a long-term issue, it does present a challenge for Alabama in terms of depth and leadership on the defensive side of the ball. With the linebacking group in need of leadership and maturity, Moody’s absence is a noticeable one.

3. Malachi Moore (Safety)

Malachi Moore, one of the key players in the secondary, is the third player who will be sidelined during spring football. As a versatile safety who can cover a range of positions, Moore has been one of Alabama’s best playmakers in the back end of their defense. His ability to read quarterbacks and make key interceptions has made him a standout player for the Crimson Tide.

Unfortunately for Alabama, Moore is dealing with a lingering injury that will keep him from participating in spring drills. While it is expected that he will be ready for the fall, Moore’s absence presents a gap in the secondary. Alabama’s defense is built on physicality, speed, and the ability to make plays in the passing game, and Moore has been a huge part of that. The spring will be an opportunity for younger players in the secondary to step up and prove that they can fill the void left by his absence.

Impact on Alabama’s Defense

With Anderson, Moody, and Moore all sidelined, Alabama’s defense will look very different as they enter spring football in 2025. These players have been cornerstones of the Crimson Tide’s defensive scheme and were expected to play vital roles in the team’s defense. Their absences raise several questions about how the coaching staff will adjust and how Alabama’s defense will fare in the coming season.

1. A Young, Hungry Defense Steps Up

The most immediate concern for Alabama is how the defense will perform without these three key contributors. Alabama has long been known for its depth and ability to develop elite talent. While losing three experienced players is significant, there are plenty of talented individuals waiting to step into these roles.

For example, Alabama has a number of young players on the defensive line who are eager to take advantage of Anderson’s absence. Players like Dallas Turner, who has shown flashes of greatness as an edge rusher, will need to take on a more prominent role in 2025. Turner, alongside other defensive linemen, will be tasked with replicating Anderson’s sack production and playmaking ability.

In the linebacker corps, Alabama will need players like Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell to step up and fill the void left by Moody. Both players have shown promise in limited action, and spring football will be their opportunity to showcase their skills in a starting role.

In the secondary, Alabama has a wealth of talent to choose from, including players like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold. These players will need to rise to the occasion and carry the torch left behind by Moore’s absence. With new faces expected to make an impact, spring football will be a proving ground for the next generation of Alabama defensive stars.

2. Depth Will Be Tested

Alabama’s depth will be tested more than ever in 2025. Although the Crimson Tide are always stocked with talent, the lack of experience at key positions could present challenges. In the trenches, the defensive line is filled with potential but will need to quickly gel to replace Anderson’s pass-rushing abilities. The linebackers, too, are a mix of returning players and young stars, which means there could be some growing pains as they develop chemistry.

Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will need to ensure that Alabama’s defense remains cohesive and effective despite these absences. He’ll rely on a combination of veterans and emerging players to keep the Crimson Tide defense among the nation’s elite. The spring practices will be crucial in determining which players have the right mentality and skill set to contribute to the defense in the fall.

3. Coaching and Leadership

Nick Saban’s coaching staff is one of the best in college football, and that will be a major advantage for Alabama as they look to replace the production lost by Anderson, Moody, and Moore. Alabama’s defensive coaches are known for developing talent, and the spring period will be an opportunity to fine-tune the skills of the players who will be tasked with replacing the absent defenders.

Additionally, Alabama will need to rely on leadership from players who are still on the roster. With so many key contributors gone, it will be important for rising stars like Turner and McKinstry to step into leadership roles and keep the defensive unit focused and motivated throughout spring and summer workouts.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season

Despite these early setbacks, Alabama’s defense is still expected to be one of the top units in college football. The Crimson Tide have consistently developed players into first-round NFL Draft picks, and the next generation of defenders is no different. The team’s overall talent level is still incredibly high, and the void left by these three players can be filled with proper development and coaching.

Alabama’s defensive depth, commitment to player development, and tradition of excellence mean that they will not only be able to withstand these absences but will also emerge stronger in the long run. The 2025 season will be one of transition, but with Nick Saban at the helm and a wealth of talent on the roster, the Crimson Tide will remain a formidable force in the SEC and national championship conversation.