Before Week 2 of Alabama football’s 2025 spring practice, here are six questions

As Alabama football enters Week 2 of its 2025 spring practice, the buzz surrounding the team is palpable. After a year that included ups and downs — with highs like an appearance in a major bowl game and lows such as a frustrating loss in a critical game — the Tide are looking to regroup, rebuild, and reassert themselves as one of the premier programs in college football. With a roster that boasts a mix of returning talent and promising new faces, the question now is how quickly Alabama can find its rhythm heading into the fall.

Spring practice is an invaluable time for coaches, players, and fans alike to take stock of the team’s progress, especially when it comes to addressing lingering questions and preparing for the challenges ahead. Head coach Nick Saban and his staff will be scrutinizing every aspect of the program, from the quarterback battle to defensive depth and special teams. While the next few weeks will provide more clarity, there are several critical questions that will be on the minds of everyone involved before Week 2 of spring practice.

Here are six key questions that Alabama football will need to address as they continue their preparation for the 2025 season.

1. Who Will Emerge as the Starting Quarterback?

The most pressing question surrounding Alabama football this spring is undoubtedly the quarterback situation. After the departure of former starter Jalen Milroe, who started most of the 2024 season, there is an opening for a new signal-caller to take the reins of one of the most prestigious football programs in the country. The competition at quarterback has become one of the most hotly debated storylines in spring practice, and it will only intensify as the weeks go on.

There are several potential candidates, each with different skill sets and experiences. The three primary contenders appear to be Ty Simpson, Jalen Milroe’s backup from 2024, Dylan Lonergan, an incoming freshman with significant high school accolades, and Eli Holstein, a transfer from a rival program with a strong arm and dual-threat ability.

• Ty Simpson: A highly touted recruit out of Tennessee, Simpson brings both physical tools and an understanding of the system. His performances in limited action during 2024 showed flashes of brilliance, but also some inconsistency. Simpson will need to show that he can command the offense on a more consistent basis, particularly in high-pressure situations. Spring practice is his opportunity to solidify his status as the frontrunner.
• Dylan Lonergan: Lonergan comes to Alabama as a top-tier recruit with excellent mechanics and an ability to read defenses. As a freshman, he will be learning the ropes and adjusting to the speed of college football. Spring practice will be a critical period for Lonergan, as he looks to establish himself as a possible future starter. It is unlikely that he would start in 2025, but Saban has a long history of developing quarterbacks quickly, so it’s something to keep an eye on.
• Eli Holstein: The veteran presence in the competition, Holstein has spent time at another top program and brings a wealth of experience. He’s known for his ability to make all the throws and has a strong understanding of the game. Holstein could potentially be the most ready to play out of the three, but his fit within Saban’s system and his ability to adapt to the offensive scheme will be key to his success.

With Nick Saban’s track record of developing quarterbacks into NFL prospects, there’s an incredible amount of pressure on whoever is named the starter. By Week 2 of spring practice, we will likely have more clarity on who is leading the race, though Saban has a history of keeping these competitions close to the vest.

2. How Will Alabama Replace Key Departures on Defense?

After a strong season from the Alabama defense in 2024, there were several key departures to the NFL, including some of the most dominant players in the front seven. Will Anderson Jr., widely regarded as one of the top pass rushers in college football, declared for the draft, leaving a massive hole on the edge. Additionally, star defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry and talented defensive lineman Jahmyr Gibbs also opted to move on.

Replacing these critical players will be a significant challenge for Saban’s defense, and it’s one of the primary objectives of spring practice. The question isn’t just about replacing the individual talent but also about maintaining the level of defensive play that has made Alabama one of the best programs in the country year after year.

Key players to watch on defense include:

• Dallas Turner: With the departure of Anderson, Turner is likely the most obvious candidate to step into a leading role as a pass rusher. He has the tools to dominate, but he’ll need to take his game to the next level in 2025. Look for him to have a breakout spring as he prepares for a larger role in the defense.
• Kendall Jackson: The linebacker corps has seen significant turnover, and Jackson will be expected to be a leader in the middle. He’s a physical player, and his development over the spring will be key to Alabama’s success on defense.
• Malachi Moore: Alabama’s defensive backfield will be a focal point in spring practice, as they will need to replace some critical leaders in McKinstry and others. Moore, who has shown potential in past seasons, will need to step up and become a top-tier cornerback for Alabama. Spring practices will help determine whether he can become the lockdown defender that Saban demands.

The biggest question for Alabama defensively is not just about who will fill the holes left by departed stars, but also about how quickly the new starters can get acclimated. With so many fresh faces expected to see significant time on the field, spring practice will be crucial for getting those players up to speed.

3. Will the Offensive Line Be Ready to Protect the Quarterback?

Alabama’s offensive line has been a point of emphasis for the last few seasons, especially when it comes to providing protection for the quarterback. In recent years, the line has been a mix of highly talented individuals and developmental players, but it hasn’t always been the dominant force we’ve come to expect from Alabama’s trenches.

For the Tide to compete for a national title in 2025, the offensive line must be a cohesive unit capable of both protecting the quarterback and establishing a consistent ground game. With some key players returning, the real question will be how quickly they can gel together in a competitive, high-pressure environment.

Some areas of focus include:

• Tackle Depth: Both starting tackle positions are up for grabs, and the team needs to settle on who will fill those spots. Alabama has some promising talent, but the inexperience of some younger players means this battle will be one to watch closely.
• Interior Line: With veterans returning, the interior line should be more stable, but there are questions about how quickly these players can develop chemistry with new tackles and communicate effectively in complex blocking schemes. Players like Tyler Booker and Jahmyr Gibbs will need to solidify their spots in the rotation.
• Consistency: For a team that has won multiple national championships under Saban, Alabama’s offensive line in 2025 must regain the consistency that made them the benchmark in the SEC. Spring practice will show whether they are ready to rise to the occasion.

4. Who Will Be the Next Star Running Back?

While Alabama is often known for having top-tier quarterbacks, another area of tremendous importance is the running back position. After Jahmyr Gibbs departed, there is a noticeable void in the backfield, one that could be filled by several players. In previous seasons, Saban has shown an ability to develop high-level running backs who can carry the load both in the SEC and beyond. The question heading into the spring is: Who will step up?

The candidates include:

• Jase McClellan: The senior back has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and 2025 is his opportunity to prove that he can be the lead back for the Tide. He’s a well-rounded player with the ability to contribute both in the running game and as a receiver.
• Roydell Williams: Williams has been a consistent contributor for Alabama in his career and brings a physical running style. As a senior, this could be his moment to take on a larger role.
• Justice Haynes: The true freshman has all the tools to be a dynamic playmaker. With a mix of size, speed, and agility, Haynes could emerge as the future of the backfield, though spring practice will be critical for his development.

Saban has a proven track record of developing elite running backs, and the question is not whether Alabama will have a capable backfield, but which player will take the reins in 2025.

5. Will the Wide Receiver Corps Step Up to Meet Expectations?

Alabama’s wide receiver group is another area that will be heavily scrutinized during spring practice. In 2024, the wideouts were not quite as explosive as in years past, and while there was some talent, consistency and depth were lacking. With a new quarterback likely under center in 2025, the wide receivers will play a critical role in helping the offense find its rhythm early in the season.

Key players to watch include:

• Jeremiah Alexander: The sophomore wideout has shown flashes of brilliance and could be ready for a breakout season. He’s got the size, speed, and route-running ability to be a key weapon in the passing game.
• Isaiah Bond: A speedster who can stretch

the field, Bond will need to prove that he can be consistent and reliable in high-pressure situations.

• Kobe Prentice: Prentice has been one of the more consistent players in the receiver room over the last year and should be a key contributor to the offense in 2025.

Alabama has had one of the most potent passing attacks in the country for years, and the wide receiver group will need to elevate their play for the team to compete at a high level.

6. How Will Alabama Approach Special Teams in 2025?

Special teams have often been the overlooked aspect of Alabama’s dominance, but with the 2025 season looming, Saban will undoubtedly want to shore up this area. From field goals to punts and kickoffs, Alabama has historically been strong in all aspects of special teams, but there are always questions heading into a new year.

The biggest question will be at place kicker, where Will Reichard has graduated. Saban will need to find someone who can replicate Reichard’s accuracy and consistency, particularly in pressure situations.

Additionally, the return game will also need to be addressed. Alabama has had explosive returners in the past, and the spring will give us an early look at the contenders for those roles.

 Eyes on Spring Practice

As Alabama enters Week 2 of its 2025 spring practice, there are numerous questions on the table. From the quarterback competition to replacing key defensive departures and strengthening the offensive line, the Tide have their work cut out for them. The next few weeks will provide crucial insight into how quickly this team can gel and whether they will be able to return to national championship contention. Fans, analysts, and coaches alike will be watching closely as the answers begin to unfold.