A portion of Alabama football’s second spring practice in 2025 got underway. This is what we discovered.

As Alabama football kicks off its second spring practice of 2025, all eyes are on how the program will evolve under head coach Nick Saban and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. After a season filled with ups and downs, the Crimson Tide’s spring practices are crucial for building chemistry, identifying new leaders, and fine-tuning the systems in place. The second spring practice, held in early March, provided a glimpse into what Alabama football’s future will look like as the team gears up for the 2025 season.

From fresh faces making their mark to adjustments on both sides of the ball, there were several notable observations from the second spring practice. Here, we take a deeper dive into what was discovered during that pivotal practice, from changes in coaching philosophy to player performances and positional battles that will shape Alabama’s football landscape heading into the fall.

1. New Offensive System Under Ryan Grubb

One of the most significant storylines heading into the 2025 season was the hiring of Ryan Grubb as Alabama’s new offensive coordinator. Grubb, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Washington, is tasked with revitalizing Alabama’s offensive identity and ensuring the Crimson Tide’s offense remains one of the most dynamic in college football. His offensive philosophy is expected to bring a more balanced, up-tempo attack, blending elements of spread concepts with the traditional power-running game that Alabama has been known for.

Quick-Hitting Pass Plays and Increased Tempo

During the second spring practice, it was immediately clear that Grubb’s influence was already being felt. The pace of the practice was faster, with the offense focusing on more quick-hitting pass plays and a higher tempo. Alabama has historically been known for its dominant running game, but under Grubb, the focus seemed to be on getting the ball into the hands of playmakers quickly, creating space, and attacking defenses with precision.

The most evident change was in how the quarterbacks were asked to execute the offense. Grubb placed a premium on efficient passing, particularly in short-yardage situations, and encouraged the quarterbacks to quickly identify mismatches in the defense. The practice saw a heavier emphasis on RPO (run-pass option) schemes and play-action plays, allowing Alabama to keep defenses on their toes. The quick pace, combined with a diverse playbook, allowed the offense to generate both big plays and methodical drives.

Quarterback Development Under Grubb

Alabama’s quarterback position has been a topic of interest for quite some time, with the departure of former Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young leaving a void. However, the competition for the starting role in 2025 is expected to be fierce, and the second spring practice gave some clarity on how Grubb is approaching the development of his quarterbacks.

Jalen Milroe, who started games in 2024, appeared poised to take the next step in his development. Milroe’s natural athleticism and arm strength were evident, but what stood out during the practice was his ability to process information quickly, a trait Grubb values highly. Milroe seemed more comfortable executing Grubb’s offense, especially with quick reads and getting the ball out fast. His ability to make plays with his legs in the RPO system will give Alabama an added dimension this season.

Ty Simpson, another promising signal-caller, also received a significant amount of reps. Simpson’s accuracy and calm demeanor were on display, and he demonstrated the potential to thrive in Grubb’s system. The competition between Milroe and Simpson will continue through spring, but it’s clear that both quarterbacks are being asked to expand their skill set and adapt to a new style of offense.

In addition, the presence of a highly touted incoming recruit adds another layer of intrigue to the quarterback battle. Regardless of who wins the starting job, one thing was clear from the second spring practice: Grubb will be tailoring the offense to maximize the strengths of whichever quarterback earns the role, making this an exciting battle to watch moving forward.

2. Wide Receiver Room Gets a Major Boost

The Alabama receiving corps has long been one of the team’s biggest assets, but with several key departures, including former star receiver Jermaine Burton, the position group has a few question marks heading into 2025. However, the second spring practice offered a promising look at the new faces and the development of returning players who will be critical to Alabama’s success in the passing game.

Fresh Faces Making Their Mark

One of the most exciting developments from this spring practice was the emergence of freshman receivers who made a significant impact. In particular, highly-rated recruits like Jevon Odom and Camron Williams stood out. Both freshmen demonstrated exceptional route-running ability and showed an uncanny knack for getting open in space, which immediately turned heads during drills. Their quick learning and ability to execute in Grubb’s offense make them players to watch as the spring progresses.

Odom’s physicality and ability to go up and grab contested catches, paired with Williams’ separation speed and quickness off the line of scrimmage, give Alabama multiple weapons on the outside. With their ability to stretch the field, they add another dimension to the Crimson Tide’s offense, complementing the existing talent already present in the wide receiver room.

In addition to the freshmen, returning receivers like Isaiah Bond and Kobe Prentice showed continued growth. Both Bond and Prentice have already made significant strides in their development and were able to showcase their ability to create separation and make plays after the catch. With the departure of Burton, it’s clear that Alabama needs reliable and explosive playmakers, and both Bond and Prentice are showing the promise to step into larger roles.

Chemistry with the Quarterbacks

One of the critical takeaways from the second spring practice was how well the receivers were working with the quarterbacks. The wide receiver corps seemed to have already developed solid chemistry with Milroe and Simpson, making sharp cuts and creating quick separation. The ball placement from the quarterbacks, paired with the receivers’ crisp routes, allowed for a lot of fluidity in the passing game.

Under Grubb’s system, the quick passing attack will put pressure on the receivers to make plays after the catch, and the second spring practice provided evidence that this group is ready to do just that. With a mix of youth and experience, the wide receiver group has the potential to evolve into one of the most explosive in college football in 2025.

3. Defensive Resilience and Leadership

While the offense has garnered much of the attention heading into spring practice, Alabama’s defense remains a crucial part of the team’s overall success. Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama’s defense has been one of the most dominant units in college football, and despite the departure of key players to the NFL, the Crimson Tide’s defensive roster remains stacked with talent.

Defensive Line Depth and Pass Rush

One area where Alabama continues to impress is along the defensive line. The Crimson Tide return several key players who will be tasked with stepping up as leaders on the front seven. Players like Jaheim Oatis, Justin Eboigbe, and Tim Keenan III are expected to anchor the defensive line, and their performance in spring practice was a testament to the depth and talent of the group. Oatis, in particular, demonstrated the ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt passing lanes, while Eboigbe showcased his power and ability to clog running lanes. With the defensive line continuing to excel, Alabama has the tools to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which will be crucial in Saban’s defensive scheme.

The competition for roles within the defensive line remains fierce, and spring practice will provide an opportunity for younger players to make their mark. However, the presence of experienced veterans will provide stability and leadership as Alabama looks to remain one of the top defenses in the nation.

Secondary Development

The Alabama secondary, while talented, underwent some turnover with the departure of several key players. However, during the second spring practice, it was evident that the defensive backfield was adjusting well to the coaching of secondary coach Travaris Robinson.

Players like Kyrie Jackson and Malachi Moore are expected to take on significant roles in 2025. Both defensive backs had standout moments in practice, with Jackson showing strong coverage ability, and Moore displaying his range and ability to make plays on the ball. The secondary will be tested early in the season, but with talent and depth, Alabama’s defense will likely remain one of the strongest units in college football.

Linebacker Leadership

The linebacker corps also showed promise, particularly with the leadership of returning star Dallas Turner. Turner has been a consistent playmaker for the Crimson Tide and is expected to take on a more prominent role in 2025. His leadership and ability to read offenses were evident in practice as he showed off his ability to cover ground and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He is a key player for Alabama in the upcoming season, and his presence will be pivotal in ensuring the defense operates efficiently.

 What to Take Away from Alabama’s Second Spring Practice

The second spring practice for Alabama football in 2025 offered several critical insights into the direction of the program. Ryan Grubb’s influence on the offense is already apparent, with a faster tempo and a more dynamic passing attack coming to the forefront. The quarterback battle is one of the key storylines heading into the season, and both Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson will play important roles as they continue to develop under Grubb’s system.

On the other side of the ball, the defense remains as stout as ever, with strong leadership on the defensive line and in the secondary. The Crimson Tide’s defense will continue to be a force in 2025, with the ability to disrupt opposing offenses in both the pass rush and in coverage.

As Alabama continues its spring practices, the competition at multiple positions, from quarterback to linebacker, will intensify. But one thing is clear: the Crimson Tide are well on their way to building a team capable of contending for another national title. The changes under Ryan Grubb and the continued development of the defense should provide fans with plenty to be excited about as the 2025 season approaches.