Alabama Football Spring Practice: 7 Key Takeaways After Week 1

As the Crimson Tide marches into the spring of 2025, all eyes are on how the team will adjust under new leadership and a fresh approach. Coach Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural spring practice has already provided key insights into the direction the team is headed. While Week 1 of spring practice is always an early stage in the preparation process, several storylines have emerged that could shape Alabama’s football program in the coming months. Let’s dive into the seven most important takeaways from the first week.

1. The Offense Undergoing a Major Transformation

One of the first things that stands out from Alabama’s Week 1 spring practices is the noticeable shift in offensive philosophy. After years of being known for a more traditional, power-based offense, DeBoer is injecting a fresh, up-tempo, and pass-heavy system into the mix. With a heavy emphasis on spreading the ball out, getting the ball into the hands of playmakers, and opening up the field, the Tide’s offense looks set to play a faster, more aggressive brand of football in 2025.

For years, Alabama’s offense has been built on strong running backs and a solid, though sometimes conservative, passing game. DeBoer is clearly pushing for a more explosive, fast-paced style that will require the offense to be dynamic. This could help enhance the potential of quarterback Ty Simpson, who is set to be the focal point of the new system. Simpson, as a dual-threat QB, has the ability to stretch plays and keep defenses on their toes.

As practices continue, look for more integration of a no-huddle offense, quick-strike passing concepts, and an increased reliance on perimeter routes to stretch the defense. This offense could open the door for deeper downfield plays and more opportunities for Alabama’s talented receiving corps.

2. Quarterback Battle Heating Up

The starting quarterback position at Alabama has been one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the 2025 season, and Week 1 of spring practice has done little to clear things up. Ty Simpson, the young sophomore, is the front-runner for the job after seeing significant reps with the first-team offense. His performance during the early spring practices has been solid, but there are still questions about whether he can consistently execute in game situations.

Simpson has all the physical tools necessary to lead Alabama’s offense, with a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to make plays on the run. However, he must continue to improve on his consistency, especially in terms of his decision-making and accuracy down the field. Coach DeBoer has indicated that this is a key area of focus, as Simpson’s ability to read defenses and manage the offense will be critical to the team’s success.

Behind Simpson, Jalen Milroe and Eli Holstein will also battle for the starting job, with Milroe bringing a more experienced, dual-threat style to the table, and Holstein offering a more traditional pocket-passing approach. This competition will likely continue to heat up as the spring progresses, and the starting job could come down to which quarterback can make the most strides in the coming weeks.

3. Emergence of Young Playmakers

While the quarterback battle is understandably drawing much of the attention, Alabama’s 2025 roster also boasts several young playmakers who have made an early impression. One of the biggest standouts has been freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams. Known for his speed and explosive playmaking ability, Williams has quickly adapted to the pace of college football and has already turned heads during the early part of spring practice.

Williams’ performance suggests that he could have a significant role in Alabama’s offense this season, especially in the vertical passing game. His ability to stretch the field will open up opportunities for other receivers, such as Ja’Corey Brooks and Isaiah Bond, to thrive as well. With DeBoer’s pass-heavy system in place, the wide receiver position will be more important than ever, and Williams could become one of the focal points in the passing attack.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Sterling Dixon and cornerback Desmond Ricks are also showing why they were highly touted recruits. Dixon is already flashing his versatility and ability to move sideline to sideline, while Ricks looks like he could step in immediately to contribute in the secondary.

4. Defensive Depth and Scheme Changes

Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has a big job ahead of him in 2025, especially after the team lost some key pieces to the NFL draft. However, Alabama’s defense remains loaded with talent, and Week 1 of spring practice provided some early glimpses into how the unit might evolve.

One of the key takeaways from Week 1 is that Alabama’s defense will be more aggressive in 2025. While traditional Alabama defenses have been built around dominating the line of scrimmage and stifling the run, Wommack’s schemes look to incorporate more blitz packages, more pressure on the quarterback, and a renewed emphasis on creating turnovers. This aggressive approach could be a perfect complement to the high-powered offense that DeBoer is installing, as it could give Alabama more chances to capitalize on opposing mistakes.

The defense is also deep at nearly every position. Alabama’s defensive line is stacked with talent, led by players like Jaheim Oatis and Justin Eboigbe. The linebacker position is strong as well, with leaders like Dallas Turner and Deontae Lawson expected to take on larger roles this season.

The defensive backfield will be tested in 2025, especially with the departure of several key players, but the emergence of Ricks and other young cornerbacks has given Wommack some flexibility in his scheme. If the defense can get back to creating turnovers at an elite rate, Alabama will be tough to beat in 2025.

5. Special Teams Focus

In past seasons, Alabama’s special teams units have often been overshadowed by the offense and defense, but this spring, there’s been a renewed focus on improving the special teams’ performance. Coach DeBoer and his staff have emphasized the importance of solid coverage units, improved return game, and placekicking consistency. Special teams can often be the difference in close games, and with Alabama’s title aspirations in 2025, no stone will be left unturned.

The kicking game, in particular, will be an area to watch. Alabama has had some struggles in recent years with its placekicking, and the staff is working hard to address that issue. With a talented punter in James Burnip and several strong-legged kickers in camp, this could be the year Alabama stabilizes its special teams play.

6. Leadership Development

One of the underappreciated aspects of a successful football program is strong leadership, and Alabama’s veteran players are stepping up to help mentor the younger players. Week 1 of spring practice has already shown that players like Dallas Turner, Ja’Corey Brooks, and Malachi Moore are assuming leadership roles both on and off the field.

Their experience and leadership will be invaluable as Alabama looks to reload after some key losses from last year’s roster. This is a team that has high expectations for the 2025 season, and these leaders will be responsible for keeping the team focused, united, and motivated throughout the spring and summer.

7. Injury Management and Player Health

Finally, Alabama has been fortunate to avoid major injuries early in the spring, but player health will be something to monitor closely in the coming weeks. The Crimson Tide will be looking to keep players like Turner, Simpson, and Oatis healthy, as they are critical to the team’s success. DeBoer and his medical staff will need to strike a balance between pushing players hard in spring practice and avoiding any serious injuries that could set the team back.

While it’s still early in spring practice, Alabama has shown plenty of signs that the 2025 season could be a successful one. With a new offensive approach, an intense quarterback battle, emerging young talent, and an aggressive defensive scheme, the Crimson Tide are poised to be a force in college football. As the spring progresses, the competition for spots will intensify, and the program’s development under Coach DeBoer will continue to take shape. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which players can rise to the challenge and help lead Alabama back to championship contention.