Alabama Football in Transition: 20 Players to Watch During Spring Practice

As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare for another season, 2025 spring practice represents a crucial period of transition and development. The program, which has dominated college football for much of the last two decades, finds itself in a state of change, with new faces stepping up, key positions still in flux, and expectations high for both the players and coaching staff. Under head coach Nick Saban, the Tide are constantly reloading and seeking new talent to maintain their elite status in the SEC and college football at large. With Saban guiding the team, Alabama remains one of the most prestigious programs in the country, but the road ahead will require strong leadership and significant growth, especially given some roster transitions and evolving strategies.

Spring practice serves as a vital opportunity for players to earn starting spots, develop chemistry, and refine their skills in preparation for the 2025 season. Here are 20 players to watch during Alabama’s spring practice in 2025, each of whom could play a key role in shaping the team’s fortunes.

1. Jalen Milroe – Quarterback

One of the most important positions for Alabama’s 2025 season is the quarterback role. Jalen Milroe enters spring practice with significant experience after taking over as the starter in 2023 and leading the team to an 11-2 record. Milroe, with his blend of mobility and arm strength, has shown flashes of brilliance but still faces challenges with his passing accuracy and decision-making under pressure.

Spring practice will be pivotal for Milroe as he continues to adjust to new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ system. His ability to become a more refined passer will determine whether he can secure the starting job for the 2025 season and lead Alabama’s offense back to national prominence.

2. Ty Simpson – Quarterback

A promising young quarterback, Ty Simpson is one of the top quarterbacks in Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class. With Milroe securing the starting role in 2023, Simpson saw limited action, but 2025 spring practice will give him the opportunity to prove that he is ready to take over if needed. With strong physical tools and a quick release, Simpson has the potential to push Milroe for the starting job in 2025.

As Alabama looks for stability at quarterback, Simpson’s growth during spring practice will be a key storyline to monitor. His performance could have a lasting impact on Alabama’s quarterback competition.

3. Jase McClellan – Running Back

A veteran of Alabama’s backfield, Jase McClellan has played a crucial role for the Crimson Tide in recent years. While he has been overshadowed by other backs at times, McClellan’s versatility and ability to make plays in both the running and passing game make him one of the most important players on offense. As Bryce Young and Najee Harris have moved on to the NFL, the pressure is now on McClellan to step up and take control of the running back position.

During spring practice, McClellan will need to prove he can be the featured back for the Crimson Tide and continue his development as a reliable weapon. His ability to find holes, break tackles, and contribute in the passing game will be crucial for Alabama’s offensive balance in 2025.

4. Roydell Williams – Running Back

Alongside McClellan, Roydell Williams will be another key figure in Alabama’s backfield. After a solid 2024 campaign, Williams will look to continue his development and possibly take on a more prominent role in the offense. Known for his physicality and ability to gain tough yards, Williams could become a valuable asset in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

Williams’ performance in spring practice will be pivotal as he battles for touches with McClellan and other backs on the roster. He could be a key contributor in Alabama’s running game moving forward.

5. Ja’Corey Brooks – Wide Receiver

Ja’Corey Brooks has been one of Alabama’s most reliable wide receivers in recent years, and he will play a central role in the Tide’s offense in 2025. After leading the team in receiving yards in 2024, Brooks will look to build on that success as he aims to become the primary target in Alabama’s passing attack.

Spring practice will give Brooks the opportunity to develop chemistry with whichever quarterback emerges as the starter. His ability to win contested catches, stretch the field, and make plays in key moments will be crucial for Alabama’s success in 2025.

6. Isaiah Bond – Wide Receiver

Another wide receiver to keep an eye on is Isaiah Bond, who possesses explosive speed and big-play potential. Bond has shown glimpses of his ability to stretch the field, and he will be a critical piece in Alabama’s deep passing game.

With some questions surrounding the wide receiver depth, spring practice will provide Bond with a chance to further establish himself as a key playmaker for the Tide. If Bond can develop his route-running and consistency, he could emerge as one of Alabama’s go-to receivers in 2025.

7. Amari Niblack – Tight End

Amari Niblack will play an important role in Alabama’s offense in 2025, especially with the growing trend of utilizing tight ends in the passing game. Niblack, who has shown flashes of his athleticism and receiving ability, will need to develop further as a blocker and a pass-catching threat to contribute to Alabama’s offensive attack.

Spring practice will be an important time for Niblack to continue developing his skills and proving that he can be an integral part of the Tide’s offense. His ability to provide a mismatch in the passing game and block effectively will be essential for Alabama’s offensive balance.

8. Caden Proctor – Offensive Tackle

An elite recruit, Caden Proctor is one of the top offensive line prospects in recent memory. Known for his size, strength, and footwork, Proctor will be a key player for Alabama’s offensive line in 2025. The Tide’s offensive line has been a crucial part of their success, and Proctor will look to continue that tradition.

In spring practice, Proctor will compete for a starting spot on the offensive line and continue to refine his technique. His development will be essential in ensuring that the Crimson Tide have a dominant offensive line, capable of both protecting the quarterback and opening holes in the running game.

9. Jadon Roberts – Offensive Guard

A promising young player, Jadon Roberts will also play a significant role on Alabama’s offensive line. After contributing in the 2024 season, Roberts will look to solidify his spot as a starting guard. His ability to move defenders off the ball and protect the quarterback will be critical for Alabama’s success in the trenches.

Spring practice will be an important time for Roberts to gain more experience and improve his consistency. He could become a key part of Alabama’s offensive line in 2025.

10. Justice Haynes – Running Back (Freshman)

One of the most highly anticipated freshmen in Alabama’s 2025 class is Justice Haynes, a dynamic running back with excellent vision and speed. As a top recruit, Haynes will look to make an immediate impact in the Tide’s backfield. With competition in the running back room, Haynes has the potential to carve out a significant role during his freshman year.

Spring practice will be key for Haynes to showcase his talents and earn the coaching staff’s trust. His ability to quickly adjust to the college game and contribute early will be essential for his development and potential playing time in 2025.

11. Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback

On the defensive side of the ball, Kool-Aid McKinstry will be one of the key players to watch during spring practice. McKinstry has been a standout cornerback for the Crimson Tide, and he is expected to play a critical role in the secondary in 2025. His ability to lock down wide receivers and provide leadership in the defensive backfield will be essential for Alabama’s defense.

Spring practice will give McKinstry the opportunity to continue refining his technique and improve his ball skills. His development will be crucial as Alabama looks to maintain its defensive dominance.

12. Malachi Moore – Safety

A versatile and talented player, Malachi Moore is a key piece in Alabama’s secondary. As a safety, Moore has the ability to make plays all over the field, both in coverage and as a tackler. His leadership and football IQ make him a valuable asset for Alabama’s defense.

During spring practice, Moore will need to continue his development and improve his ability to make game-changing plays. His ability to take over games from the back end of the defense will be critical for Alabama in 2025.

13. Will Anderson Jr. – Edge Rusher

While Will Anderson Jr. has moved on to the NFL, the Tide’s defense will need to find a new edge rusher to fill his shoes. In spring practice, players like Dallas Turner will be key to determining who will step up in Anderson’s absence. Turner is one of the players who could make a major impact as a pass rusher, but competition will be fierce.

14. Dallas Turner – Edge Rusher

A talented edge rusher, Dallas Turner will play a critical role for Alabama in 2025. After a strong season in 2024, Turner will look to build on his success and become one of the top pass rushers in college football. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be key for Alabama’s defense.

15. Chris Braswell – Edge Rusher

Another player to keep an eye on in the pass-rushing department is Chris Braswell, who has the potential to make a significant impact on Alabama’s defense. Braswell’s athleticism and pass-rushing ability could make him a valuable weapon for the Tide in 2025.

16. Terryon Arnold – Cornerback

Terryon Arnold will be one of Alabama’s key cornerbacks in 2025. A player with great ball skills and athleticism, Arnold will be tasked with locking down opposing wide receivers and providing leadership in the secondary.

17. Evan Stewart – Wide Receiver (Freshman)

As a freshman, Evan Stewart could make a significant impact at wide receiver. With his athleticism and ball skills, Stewart has the potential to make an immediate impact and challenge for playing time in a deep receiving corps.

18. Jaheim Oatis – Defensive Line

Jaheim Oatis will be a key player for Alabama’s defensive line in 2025. His size and strength make him a dominant force in the trenches, and he will be crucial to Alabama’s ability to stop the run and rush the passer.

19. Tim Keenan – Defensive Tackle

Another player to watch is Tim Keenan, a stout defensive tackle who has the ability to clog up running lanes and create disruption in the middle of the defensive line. His performance during spring practice will be key for Alabama’s defensive success.

20. Kendrick Law – Wide Receiver

Finally, Kendrick Law, a versatile wide receiver, could emerge as a breakout star for Alabama in 2025. With his quickness and ability to make plays after the catch, Law could be a key contributor in the slot and on special teams.

As Alabama heads into the 2025 season, spring practice will be a crucial period of development for both veteran players and newcomers. With several key positions still up for grabs and new talent emerging, the spring session will give players the chance to prove their worth and solidify their roles in the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. The 20 players listed above will be central to Alabama’s success, as they battle for starting spots