Kane Wommack plans to improve Alabama football’s defense in 2025 by emphasizing aggressive pass rush techniques and strategic blitzing.

As one of college football’s most storied programs, Alabama football has long been known for its dominant defenses. Under head coach Nick Saban, the Alabama Crimson Tide has consistently fielded some of the best defensive units in the country, showcasing a blend of exceptional talent, disciplined execution, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. However, as the game of college football continues to evolve, so must the strategies used to combat the high-powered offenses that are now commonplace in the sport.

For Alabama’s defense in 2025, all eyes are on the new defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack, who was brought in to take the program’s defense to the next level. Wommack, a highly respected coach with a reputation for building aggressive, opportunistic defenses, is ready to make a significant impact on the Crimson Tide. One of his primary focuses will be to improve Alabama’s pass rush, which has seen periods of inconsistency in recent years. To do this, Wommack plans to implement aggressive pass rush techniques and strategic blitzing schemes that will not only generate more sacks but also disrupt opposing quarterbacks and create opportunities for turnovers.

The Need for Improved Pass Rush

Over the past few seasons, Alabama’s defense has often been described as “stout” and “dominant,” but there have been moments when the team has struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. While Alabama has had standout players in its defensive front—such as Will Anderson Jr. (who left for the NFL after the 2022 season)—there has been a noticeable gap in their ability to sack quarterbacks or force hurried throws. This has been especially evident in games where Alabama faced high-powered offenses, particularly those with strong, mobile quarterbacks who can avoid pressure.

In 2023, the Crimson Tide’s defense ranked 12th in the SEC in total sacks, which was a significant drop compared to previous seasons when Alabama was routinely among the top sack leaders in the nation. While the team remained solid in other defensive metrics, such as run defense and scoring defense, their inability to consistently disrupt quarterbacks was a glaring weakness.

The pass rush is a critical component of modern defense, as it plays a direct role in creating turnovers and influencing the tempo of the game. A potent pass rush forces quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations, resulting in rushed decisions, errant throws, and, often, turnovers. This is where Wommack’s expertise comes into play. His aggressive defensive schemes are designed to overwhelm offensive lines and bring pressure to bear on opposing quarterbacks from multiple angles.

Kane Wommack’s Philosophy and Track Record

Before joining Alabama, Kane Wommack made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator at South Alabama, where he transformed the Jaguars’ defense into one of the most feared in the Sun Belt Conference. Wommack’s defenses were known for being aggressive, attacking the line of scrimmage, and creating chaos in the backfield. In fact, his defensive units consistently ranked near the top of the conference in terms of both sacks and tackles for loss, largely due to his innovative blitzing schemes and his ability to get creative with his pass rush.

Wommack’s approach is rooted in creating mismatches and exploiting weaknesses in the opposing offense. He is known for his ability to mix up his blitz packages and disguise coverages, making it difficult for quarterbacks to predict where pressure will come from. Whether it’s sending extra defenders or using creative line stunts, Wommack’s defenses are designed to keep the offense on its heels. This approach was evident at South Alabama, where his defense finished ranked 2nd in the nation in sacks per game in 2023, a key statistic that helped turn the team into a contender.

At Alabama, Wommack has the luxury of working with a more talented roster than he had at South Alabama, and he’ll look to implement many of the same strategies, but on a bigger stage. With a deep pool of talent, including a talented group of defensive linemen and linebackers, Wommack has the potential to create one of the most formidable pass rushes in college football.

Aggressive Pass Rush Techniques

One of Wommack’s primary strategies for improving Alabama’s pass rush is his emphasis on aggressive pass rush techniques. This means developing pass rushers who aren’t just content with waiting for the quarterback to drop back but are actively attacking the pocket with speed, power, and creativity. Alabama’s defense will focus on the following key techniques to increase their sack numbers:

1. Upfield Push with Speed

One of the most effective ways to disrupt a quarterback’s rhythm is by getting pressure from the edges, and Wommack is known for utilizing speed to get around offensive tackles. By teaching defensive ends and outside linebackers to get low and burst off the line with speed, Wommack can generate quick pressure on the quarterback before he even has time to read the defense. Players like Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell are expected to be focal points of this strategy. Their natural speed and ability to rush the passer will be key components in this plan.

Wommack will likely incorporate drills that focus on quickness and agility, emphasizing getting off the line of scrimmage quickly and maintaining leverage against blockers. This type of pass rush is effective against mobile quarterbacks who can move around in the pocket. The goal is to disrupt the quarterback’s timing, forcing him to throw before he’s ready.

2. Stunts and Line Games

A staple of Wommack’s defensive schemes is the use of stunts and line games, where defensive linemen engage in coordinated movements designed to confuse offensive linemen and create mismatches. Stunts involve defensive linemen switching positions or angles of attack, which can cause offensive linemen to be out of position, allowing defenders to get free and apply pressure.

This strategy allows Alabama to create opportunities for interior defensive linemen and linebackers to get to the quarterback, even when the offensive line has good individual players. With players like Jaheim Oatis and Tim Keenan III on the interior, Alabama has the potential to create a disruptive pass rush that can collapse the pocket from the inside. Line games will help them achieve this by leveraging their agility and flexibility to outwit offensive linemen.

3. Hands and Leverage

Another key element of an aggressive pass rush is teaching players how to use their hands effectively to disengage from blockers. Wommack will emphasize the importance of hand placement and leverage in his pass rush technique. Defensive linemen and linebackers will be trained to strike offensive linemen’s hands away from their bodies to shed blocks quickly, while also maintaining control of the line of scrimmage.

This technique is essential for keeping defenders clean and free from blockers. Defensive players who can disengage from their blockers quickly can get into the backfield faster and disrupt the quarterback’s pocket presence.

Strategic Blitzing Packages

While generating pressure with a four-man rush is essential, Wommack also believes in mixing things up by bringing extra defenders through strategic blitzing. His philosophy revolves around creating confusion in the offensive line’s protection schemes and sending players from unexpected areas to create pressure.

1. Inside Linebacker Blitzes

Wommack has historically relied on his inside linebackers to generate pressure through the interior, and that trend will continue at Alabama. With linebackers like Henry To’o To’o and Khyree Jackson, who have the speed and vision to read offenses and attack the gaps, Alabama’s defense will frequently look to send pressure from the middle of the field.

Blitzing inside linebackers allows the defensive line to occupy blockers while the linebackers slip through gaps in the offensive line to pressure the quarterback. This also provides opportunities for creating turnovers by forcing rushed throws or hits on the quarterback.

2. Cornerback and Safety Blitzes

Wommack is also known for using cornerback and safety blitzes, a tactic that allows him to bring pressure from unexpected angles. These blitzes can catch offensive lines off guard, as defensive backs typically aren’t expected to rush the passer. When executed correctly, these blitzes can lead to quarterback hurries, sacks, or even interceptions, as the quarterback struggles to make accurate throws under pressure.

With the depth and talent in the secondary, particularly with players like Earl Little Jr. and Khyree Jackson, Alabama will have the flexibility to use cornerbacks in blitzing situations, adding a layer of unpredictability to their pass rush.

Improved Sacks and Defensive Performance in 2025

By incorporating these aggressive pass rush techniques and strategic blitzing schemes, Kane Wommack is poised to revitalize Alabama’s defense and significantly increase their sack totals in 2025. The focus will be on creating a pass rush that is not only efficient but also relentless, disrupting opposing quarterbacks and creating turnover opportunities that will swing momentum in Alabama’s favor.

The combination of speed, creativity, and intelligence in Alabama’s defense under Wommack’s guidance will be a game-changer. As the Crimson Tide face tough SEC competition, particularly teams with dynamic quarterbacks and potent passing games, the ability to pressure the quarterback will be paramount. With Wommack’s expertise and the talent at his disposal, Alabama is on track to re-establish itself as one of the most feared defenses in college football in 2025.

With players like Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, and Jaheim Oatis, combined with Wommack’s aggressive defensive schemes, Alabama football fans can expect a much-improved pass rush that will make an immediate impact on the season. As the 2025 season unfolds, Alabama’s defense will look to return to its championship-contending form, with an unstoppable pass rush leading the way.