Alabama is not “anywhere” close to where they should be defensively in several areas, according to Kane Wommack.

Alabama football has long been known for its elite defense under head coach Nick Saban, which has helped propel the program to multiple national championships and SEC titles. The Crimson Tide’s defense has traditionally been one of the most feared in college football, with a combination of size, speed, and discipline that overwhelms opponents. However, as the 2025 season approaches, questions have started to arise about whether Alabama’s defense is still operating at the level fans have come to expect. These concerns were brought into sharp focus by Kane Wommack, a well-regarded defensive coach and the current head coach at South Alabama.

Wommack, who has earned a reputation for his strategic approach to defense and his ability to transform programs, recently provided his analysis on Alabama’s current defensive state. His assessment has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, as it directly challenges the notion that the Crimson Tide defense is still in the upper echelon of college football. Wommack’s comments, while critical, provide an insightful look into the potential shortcomings of Alabama’s defense and how they could impact the team in 2025 and beyond.

The State of Alabama’s Defense

Before diving into Wommack’s specific criticisms, it’s important to understand the context surrounding Alabama’s defense as they enter the 2025 season. Over the years, Alabama’s defense has been a hallmark of the program, with standouts like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derrick Henry, and Jonathan Allen becoming household names. Under Saban’s leadership, the defense has been known for its ability to stop the run, create turnovers, and put consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Tide’s defenses often operate with a “next-man-up” mentality, meaning even when key players leave for the NFL, Alabama reloads rather than rebuilds.

However, recent seasons have shown signs of vulnerability. While Alabama’s defense was still very good in 2024, it was not the dominant, suffocating unit that fans had come to expect. In fact, there were several areas of concern, including pass coverage, consistency in the pass rush, and the ability to stop explosive plays. This is where Kane Wommack’s commentary becomes critical. As someone who understands the nuances of defensive football, Wommack’s opinion carries significant weight, especially when he says that Alabama is “nowhere close to where they should be defensively.”

Kane Wommack’s Critique of Alabama’s Defense

Wommack’s analysis of Alabama’s defense is multifaceted, covering several key areas where he believes the Crimson Tide has not met its historical standards. While he acknowledged the talent that remains on the roster, he identified areas where the team still has significant room for improvement. His comments are not just a critique of individual players, but a larger statement on the overall trajectory of the defense under Saban.

1. Pass Rush Inconsistency

One of the first areas that Wommack pointed to as a major concern was the inconsistency of Alabama’s pass rush. Historically, the Tide’s defensive front has been one of the most dominant in college football, with players like Will Anderson Jr. and Derrick Thomas terrorizing quarterbacks and changing the course of games. However, in recent seasons, Alabama has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

In 2024, Alabama’s defense ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of sacks and quarterback hurries, which was a far cry from the days of Anderson’s dominance. Wommack noted that while Alabama still possesses individual talent along the defensive line, the team as a whole had not been able to replicate the relentless pass rush that made them such a dangerous defense in previous years.

“Alabama used to be able to get after the quarterback with ease, and that’s not the case right now,” Wommack said. “They’re not creating the havoc they once did. Without that consistent pressure, it allows offenses to get into rhythm and make big plays.”

For Alabama to return to its previous defensive glory, Wommack believes that the pass rush must become a greater threat, forcing quarterbacks into bad decisions and making it difficult for opposing offenses to execute their game plan.

2. Pass Coverage Concerns

Another area of concern that Wommack highlighted was Alabama’s struggles with pass coverage, especially against high-powered offenses. The Crimson Tide’s secondary has always been known for its ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers, but in recent seasons, the defensive backs have occasionally been caught out of position, leading to big plays and scoring opportunities for opponents.

Wommack explained that while Alabama has talented cornerbacks and safeties, the team has not been able to consistently cover high-caliber receivers, particularly in critical situations. In the 2024 season, Alabama was vulnerable against teams with strong passing games, and this issue was evident in losses to top-tier SEC teams.

“If you don’t have a defense that can consistently cover in the passing game, especially when you face teams with elite quarterbacks and wide receivers, you’re going to have trouble,” Wommack explained. “Alabama’s secondary has been hit or miss, and in today’s game, you can’t afford to be inconsistent in pass coverage.”

For Alabama’s defense to get back on track in 2025, Wommack believes the defensive backs will need to sharpen their skills and improve their communication, especially when facing teams with high-tempo offenses that can exploit coverage gaps.

3. Explosive Plays and Big-Play Vulnerabilities

Perhaps the most concerning issue that Wommack pointed to was Alabama’s susceptibility to explosive plays, particularly in the passing game. Historically, Alabama’s defense has been built on discipline and preventing big plays from happening, but over the past couple of seasons, the Crimson Tide has allowed more explosive plays than usual. In 2024, Alabama was exposed in several games by offenses that were able to break off long runs or complete deep passes downfield, leaving their defense scrambling to recover.

“Alabama has always prided itself on limiting explosive plays, but lately, that hasn’t been the case,” Wommack said. “When you allow big plays, it changes the entire complexion of a game. Teams that can hit on those chunk plays are hard to stop, and Alabama has to get better at limiting those opportunities.”

This vulnerability to big plays is particularly troubling for a team like Alabama, which typically relies on a controlled, methodical approach to defense. Giving up explosive plays not only leads to easy scores for opponents, but it also puts additional pressure on the offense to respond quickly, which can lead to mistakes and turnovers.

4. Depth and Development

While Wommack was critical of some of Alabama’s current defensive issues, he also pointed out that the team still has plenty of talent on its roster. However, the challenge for Alabama moving forward is ensuring that this talent is developed effectively and that depth is built across all positions. In recent years, there have been instances where Alabama’s defense appeared thin in key areas, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker.

“Alabama has always been a program that prides itself on depth, but I think there’s a real need for development across the board,” Wommack said. “They’ve got a lot of young talent, but it’s about getting those players ready to contribute at a high level. You can’t win championships without having depth at every position, and right now, I think that’s a work in progress.”

For Alabama to return to the defensive dominance it once had, Wommack believes the coaching staff must focus on developing the younger players and building depth across all areas of the defense. This will be crucial not only for the 2025 season but for the future of the program.

The Road Ahead for Alabama’s Defense

Alabama’s defense is at a crossroads as it prepares for the 2025 season. While the talent is certainly there, as Wommack pointed out, there are significant issues that need to be addressed. From pass rush inconsistencies to struggles in pass coverage and vulnerabilities to explosive plays, Alabama will need to make improvements in several key areas if it hopes to contend for a national championship once again.

Wommack’s critique serves as a wake-up call for the Alabama coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who will need to address these issues during spring and fall practices. The Tide will also need to find a way to integrate the younger players on the roster into the defensive rotation and ensure that they are ready to contribute when called upon.

If Alabama can clean up these issues and return to its defensive roots, it could once again become a force to be reckoned with in college football. However, if these problems persist into the 2025 season, the Crimson Tide may find themselves in a more difficult battle for supremacy in the SEC, with teams like Georgia, LSU, and others ready to capitalize on Alabama’s defensive vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, Kane Wommack’s assessment of Alabama’s defense is a timely reminder that even elite programs like Alabama must constantly evolve and improve. With the right adjustments, Alabama can address these concerns and get back to being the dominant force it has been in past seasons. However, if these issues persist, the Crimson Tide’s road to the top may be a more difficult one than many expect.