As spring practice gets underway, here are three questions for Alabama football

As Alabama football begins its 2025 spring practice, the program enters a pivotal offseason with several important questions that need answers. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide has remained one of the most successful and dominant programs in college football. However, after a season that ended short of their usual championship aspirations, the Alabama football program finds itself in a position of transition. With key departures, new faces in the locker room, and a host of young talent looking to step up, spring practice is a critical time for Alabama to address these questions and set the stage for a successful fall season.

Spring football is always a time of anticipation and uncertainty, as it’s a period for evaluation, experimentation, and laying the foundation for the next season. While answers will not fully emerge during this brief but intense period, spring practice gives fans, players, and coaches a chance to identify areas that need improvement, develop young talent, and assess the team’s overall trajectory. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three major questions Alabama football faces as it heads into spring practice in 2025.

1. Who Will Be the Starting Quarterback?

The Situation:
The quarterback position is always one of the most high-profile and hotly debated positions in college football, and for Alabama, the uncertainty surrounding who will take the first-team reps in 2025 is one of the biggest questions heading into spring practice. The Crimson Tide is entering a new era at quarterback, following the departure of 2024 starter Bryce Young, who became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. With Young gone, the quarterback room is left with a mix of experienced players and younger talents, and determining the starter is a priority this spring.

Jalen Milroe, a talented dual-threat quarterback, has experience as a backup but has not yet had the opportunity to be the full-time starter for an entire season. Milroe showed flashes of brilliance during his limited action in 2024, especially as a runner, but questions remain about his consistency as a passer. He has the tools to be a dynamic force for the Alabama offense, but can he step up and lead the team with poise and precision over the course of a full season?

Ty Simpson, another quarterback in the mix, came into Alabama with high expectations. As a highly ranked recruit, Simpson has all the physical attributes to be successful at the highest level, and many are waiting to see if he can take the next step. Like Milroe, Simpson has yet to secure a starting role, but his time in the program and his skill set make him a key player in the competition for the job. Will he be able to prove himself as the most reliable option?

Additionally, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class includes some exciting new talent, and while it’s unlikely a true freshman will take over as the starter, spring practices will be important in gauging the potential of newcomers and assessing the depth of the quarterback room.

The Importance of the Question:
The quarterback position is crucial for Alabama’s success in 2025. With the Crimson Tide’s high-powered offense and championship aspirations, the quarterback must be able to lead effectively, make plays in the passing game, and manage the offense efficiently. Whether it’s Milroe’s athleticism or Simpson’s arm talent, the chosen quarterback will need to elevate the Alabama offense to match the defense’s elite level. Moreover, the quarterback will have to make quick decisions and adapt to the speed of the game, especially in the high-pressure SEC environment.

Spring practice will be the first real opportunity for these quarterbacks to showcase their skills in a competitive setting. Alabama’s offense relies heavily on timing, chemistry with the receivers, and a quarterback who can execute under pressure. The coaches will likely experiment with different rotations during practice and may even give each quarterback a chance to run the first-team offense during the spring game.

The Outlook:
While no definitive decision will be made during spring practice, Alabama’s coaching staff will closely monitor the performance of Milroe and Simpson (and possibly other candidates). The spring is a crucial evaluation period, and the decisions made here will shape Alabama’s quarterback depth chart heading into the fall.

2. How Will the Offensive Line Develop?

The Situation:
While much attention is often paid to quarterbacks and skill players, the offensive line is perhaps the most critical unit on any football team. Alabama’s offensive line has been a defining feature of its success over the years, but in recent seasons, the unit has shown some vulnerability. In 2024, while Alabama’s offense remained potent, the line struggled at times with pass protection and consistency in the running game. With key departures along the line, 2025 will be a season of rebuilding for this group.

The big question heading into spring practice is how the offensive line will come together. Alabama has some talented players returning, but they will need to develop chemistry and continuity to perform at a high level. Players like J.C. Latham, a standout offensive tackle, will be expected to take on a leadership role as the anchor of the line. However, there are several other positions up for grabs, and spring practice is the perfect opportunity for younger players to step up.

One key issue for Alabama has been the consistency and depth of its offensive line. With top-tier programs in the SEC boasting strong defensive fronts, the ability to win battles in the trenches will be critical to Alabama’s success. Will the line be able to protect the quarterback adequately, especially with a potentially less-experienced signal caller? And can the group open up running lanes for Alabama’s stable of talented running backs?

The Importance of the Question:
The offensive line is a fundamental part of Alabama’s offensive identity. For a team that emphasizes a balanced attack, the ability to run the ball effectively and protect the quarterback is paramount. If the offensive line can return to its previous form as a dominant force in both the run and pass game, it will make life much easier for the quarterbacks and skill players, allowing Alabama to play to its strengths. If the line struggles, it could hinder the offense’s ability to execute and ultimately put more pressure on the defense.

With several new faces and several positions in flux, the spring practices will serve as a proving ground for potential starters and depth players. The coaching staff will be looking for players who can step up and fill the gaps left by graduation and the NFL Draft. Alabama’s offensive line is critical to the success of the 2025 team, and spring practice will be the first chance to assess the group’s potential.

The Outlook:
Expect to see heavy competition in the offensive line during spring practices. Alabama’s coaching staff will likely experiment with different combinations and lineups to see which players best complement each other and can step up in leadership roles. Spring practice will also be an opportunity for players to prove themselves in live situations, and it will be crucial for developing depth across the line. By the time the fall rolls around, Alabama will need a fully functional and cohesive offensive line to compete at the highest level in the SEC.

3. Will the Defense Remain Elite?

The Situation:
For much of Nick Saban’s tenure at Alabama, the Crimson Tide has been defined by its suffocating defense. From legendary linebackers to elite cornerbacks and defensive linemen, Alabama has often had one of the top defenses in college football. However, after a few seasons where the defense has been occasionally exposed, particularly in the secondary and against high-powered offenses, there is a lingering question about whether Alabama can return to its top-tier defensive form.

Alabama returns several key players on defense in 2025, including standout linebacker Dallas Turner, who has the potential to be one of the top pass rushers in the SEC. Additionally, the defensive line is stacked with talent, and the secondary has several promising prospects, including safety Jordan Battle and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who will be tasked with keeping up with the SEC’s best wide receivers.

The question heading into spring is whether Alabama’s defense will continue to evolve and maintain its elite status. While the defense has shown flashes of brilliance, it has not always been as consistent as it has been in previous years. The team will need to find stability in key areas, such as pass coverage and defensive line depth, to ensure it can compete against other elite offenses in the SEC.

The Importance of the Question:
Alabama’s defense has always been a hallmark of its success, and it will be just as critical in 2025 as ever before. The defense will need to step up, particularly in a league that is becoming more and more offensively focused. With other SEC teams boasting potent offenses, Alabama will need to be able to stop the pass, defend the run, and pressure the quarterback. The ability to dominate on the defensive side of the ball will be essential for Alabama to remain competitive on the national stage.

The Outlook:
With defensive coordinator Kevin Steele leading the charge, the defense should remain among the nation’s best. However, spring practice will allow the coaches to assess where improvements need to be made, especially in areas such as pass rush and secondary play. As the team fine-tunes its defensive strategies, expect to see a lot of emphasis on creating turnovers and maintaining strong fundamentals.