What Alabama Football Position Groups Are Under the Most Scrutiny? Four to Watch in Spring

As spring football practices begin for the Alabama Crimson Tide, all eyes will be on several key position groups that will undergo intense scrutiny throughout the offseason. Alabama has long been known for its elite level of talent and deep roster, but with every new season comes the challenge of replacing key players and ensuring that depth is maintained across the field. The program’s storied history under head coach Nick Saban has produced numerous NFL-bound players, but as with every transition, certain areas of the team will require more attention than others.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has consistently been one of the top programs in college football, not just in terms of raw talent but also in terms of its ability to reload rather than rebuild. However, the 2025 season presents new challenges. With key players departing to the NFL or graduating, the team must fill several gaps in order to remain one of the most dominant forces in college football. The spring practices are critical to making sure those gaps are filled with the right talent and that any weaknesses from the previous season are addressed.

Here are four key position groups under the most scrutiny as Alabama heads into spring football.

1. Quarterback: The Key to Offensive Success

For any football team, the quarterback position is arguably the most important on the field, and that’s certainly the case for Alabama in 2025. With the departure of Bryce Young, the team finds itself in uncharted waters. Young was one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, and his leadership, poise, and playmaking ability are difficult to replace. Now, Alabama must figure out who will take the reins at the quarterback position.

As of now, there are several potential candidates vying for the starting job. Jalen Milroe, who has had some playing time as a backup, is perhaps the most likely candidate. Milroe showed flashes of his dual-threat potential last season, especially with his legs, but he needs to prove he can be a consistent passer. His development as a passer will be one of the main storylines this spring.

Tyler Buchner, a transfer from Notre Dame, will also compete for the starting job. Buchner is known for his athleticism and has the experience from playing in big games at Notre Dame, but his accuracy and decision-making have been questioned during his time with the Fighting Irish. His performance in spring ball will be crucial for determining whether he can take over as Alabama’s quarterback.

Finally, freshman quarterback Eli Holstein, a highly regarded recruit, will be pushing for a spot in the quarterback rotation. While he’s less experienced than Milroe or Buchner, Holstein’s raw talent and potential make him a name to watch closely during spring practices. If he impresses coaches with his maturity, decision-making, and ability to learn the offense quickly, there’s always a chance he could secure significant playing time early in his career.

The quarterback battle will be one of the most intense and heavily scrutinized storylines of Alabama’s spring practices. Given that the quarterback is the leader of the offense, this competition will have significant implications for Alabama’s success in 2025. The Crimson Tide must find the right signal-caller who can lead the team, manage the game, and execute in big moments, much like Bryce Young did in previous seasons.

2. Wide Receiver: Rebuilding the Playmaking Corps

Another position group that will be under heavy scrutiny is the wide receiver room. Alabama has long been known for its elite wide receivers, with players like Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, and Jameson Williams all making waves in the NFL after their time with the Crimson Tide. However, with the departure of key contributors such as Jermaine Burton and Tyler Harrell, Alabama’s wide receiver group enters 2025 with significant questions.

While Alabama still has some talent in the wide receiver room, it remains to be seen who will step up as the go-to playmaker. One of the key players to watch is sophomore Ja’Corey Brooks. Brooks has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but now he must prove that he can be a consistent top target in the passing game. His development as a route runner, his ability to make plays after the catch, and his overall chemistry with the new quarterback will be critical this spring.

Another player to keep an eye on is sophomore Isaiah Bond. Bond is another dynamic wide receiver with game-breaking speed, and if he can improve his route running and ball tracking, he could emerge as one of the top playmakers in the SEC. The addition of new recruits and transfers like Malik Benson, a highly touted junior college transfer, will also help inject some much-needed talent into the receiver room. Benson’s ability to adjust to the college game will be a big storyline this spring.

The wide receiver group at Alabama needs to develop chemistry with whoever wins the starting quarterback job. It’s not just about having one or two standout players but about developing a deep rotation of reliable and explosive options. Alabama will be looking for consistency from its receivers in both practice and scrimmages as they look to fill the void left by the previous generation of playmakers.

Given the explosive nature of Alabama’s offense and the importance of the passing game in the modern SEC, the wide receiver position is one that must be closely monitored during spring football. The potential for a breakout star is high, but the development of a cohesive and versatile receiving corps will be vital for the team’s offensive success.

3. Offensive Line: Finding Stability in the Trenches

The offensive line is one of the most critical position groups for Alabama, and it will face significant scrutiny during spring practices. While Alabama has traditionally boasted one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football, the 2025 season presents a unique challenge. The team is tasked with replacing several key starters and finding a cohesive unit that can protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the backs.

One of the primary concerns on the offensive line is the loss of Evan Neal, who was a consensus All-American and the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Neal’s departure leaves a significant void at the left tackle position, and Alabama will need to find a new player to anchor the blindside. Junior JC Latham, who has experience playing at tackle, will likely be one of the top candidates to replace Neal. Latham is one of the most talented players on the roster, but he will need to take on an even more prominent leadership role in 2025.

Alongside Latham, Alabama will need to develop depth across the entire line. Key positions to watch will be right tackle, center, and left guard. The development of younger players like Tyler Booker, who has been impressive in limited action, and a number of incoming recruits will be crucial to filling out the line. If Alabama’s offensive line can come together and play at a high level, it will provide stability for the entire offense and allow the team to operate at its full potential.

The Crimson Tide’s offensive line is tasked with creating a balanced offensive attack, whether it’s run blocking for the running backs or pass protection for the quarterback. Given the potential for a new quarterback and a developing receiving corps, the offensive line’s performance in spring practices will be under the microscope. Alabama cannot afford to have any weaknesses up front, and the team will need to solidify its line to compete for championships in 2025.

4. Secondary: Filling the Void Left by Key Departures

The secondary is another position group that will be facing heavy scrutiny during Alabama’s spring practices. With the departure of key players like Eli Ricks, Jordan Battle, and Brian Branch, Alabama will need to replace three key contributors who were instrumental in the team’s defense over the past few seasons. The loss of such experienced players creates a significant question mark in the secondary, and spring practices will be crucial for determining who will step up to fill the void.

One of the players expected to make a big impact in the secondary is Kool-Aid McKinstry. McKinstry has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, and now he will be expected to take on a leadership role as the team’s top cornerback. His development will be key, not only in his individual coverage but in the overall cohesiveness of the secondary.

Safety Demarco Hellams is another player to watch, as he will be tasked with becoming a leader in the back end of Alabama’s defense. Hellams has a chance to step into a more prominent role and lead the secondary with his experience and playmaking ability.

The secondary must also develop depth and cohesion in order to compete against the high-powered passing offenses in the SEC. Incoming recruits and young players like Terrion Arnold and Jahlil Hurley will need to prove that they can contribute right away. Alabama’s success on defense often hinges on its ability to lock down opposing wide receivers and limit big plays in the passing game, so the development of the secondary is one of the most important areas of focus this spring.

Conclusion

As Alabama heads into spring practices for the 2025 season, these four position groups will be under the most scrutiny. The quarterback battle, the development of the wide receiver corps, the rebuilding of the offensive line, and the retooling of the secondary will all be key areas of focus for the coaching staff. While Alabama’s talent level remains high across the roster, these position groups will require careful attention and development if the team is to continue its tradition of dominance in the SEC and on the national stage. With a mix of returning talent, new faces, and high expectations, the Crimson Tide’s spring football practices will be crucial for shaping the future of the program and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season.