Alabama Football Through the First Week of Spring Practice: What We’ve Learned About the Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide has officially kicked off their 2025 spring football practice, and while it’s still early, there are plenty of takeaways about the team’s direction and what fans can expect for the upcoming season. Under the guidance of new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the first week of practice provided insight into how the team is adjusting to new systems, competing for positions, and working toward returning to championship contention. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.

Coaching Transition: What’s New Under Kalen DeBoer

The most significant development surrounding Alabama football this offseason has undoubtedly been the hiring of Kalen DeBoer as the team’s new head coach. DeBoer, who was brought in after a successful stint at Washington, inherits a program that has been accustomed to championship expectations under Nick Saban’s leadership. The transition has already begun to reshape the identity of the Crimson Tide.

From day one, DeBoer emphasized a blend of maintaining Alabama’s strong defensive reputation while incorporating a more up-tempo, dynamic offensive scheme. The decision to bring in DeBoer was to help rejuvenate the offense, which struggled at times in recent seasons under former offensive coordinators. DeBoer’s philosophy of maximizing offensive efficiency and embracing a fast-paced approach contrasts with Alabama’s traditionally balanced, pro-style offense.

The first week of practice demonstrated that DeBoer is hands-on in developing both sides of the ball. The former Washington head coach has not only implemented a new offensive system but has also made it clear that Alabama football will not stray from its defensive roots. Early reports from spring practice highlight an emphasis on energy, competition, and a focus on building an adaptable, aggressive football team.

Quarterback Battle: The Race for the Starting Job

One of the most talked-about storylines coming out of the first week of spring practice has been the quarterback competition. Alabama enters the 2025 season with an open battle at the most crucial position on the field, and the early returns show that the coaching staff is not rushing into any decisions. Both Ty Simpson, a sophomore, and Jalen Milroe, a junior, have been impressive, and DeBoer is making it clear that no starting job is secure yet.

Ty Simpson, widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in Alabama’s recent recruiting classes, has shown significant improvement since last season. Early in camp, Simpson displayed better mechanics and a more consistent passing ability, which has made him a favorite among coaches. His ability to make quick decisions and show poise in the pocket has impressed DeBoer’s coaching staff.

Simpson’s main competition has come from Jalen Milroe, the junior signal-caller known for his electrifying athleticism and playmaking ability. Milroe is a dual-threat quarterback, and his ability to stretch the field with his legs has been on display throughout spring practice. His deep-ball accuracy and decision-making have taken noticeable strides, making him a legitimate contender for the starting role. The primary question surrounding Milroe is whether he can consistently manage the offense and limit mistakes when it matters most.

What makes this quarterback battle even more intriguing is the arrival of Dylan Lonergan, a highly touted freshman. While it’s unlikely that Lonergan will win the starting job this early, his strong arm and impressive high school resume have caught the attention of coaches and fans alike. The competition between these three quarterbacks will be one of the most fascinating storylines to follow in the coming weeks as Alabama tries to find its leader under center.

Offensive Philosophy and Early Execution

Kalen DeBoer’s offensive philosophy is one of the most talked-about changes in Tuscaloosa this offseason. DeBoer has made it clear that he wants to modernize Alabama’s offense, making it more versatile and fast-paced while still retaining the principles of physicality and balance. The Tide has typically been known for a heavy running game, but under DeBoer, expect more spread concepts, quick passes, and faster tempo to keep opposing defenses off-balance.

The first week of spring practice revealed some interesting developments on this front. While Alabama still ran a lot of traditional power concepts, there was a clear effort to push the tempo and get the ball into playmakers’ hands more quickly. Early in the week, Alabama showed a more pass-heavy approach, working on quick-release routes and implementing more screen passes. This style of offense is designed to get the ball to the skilled wide receivers, especially in space, and create mismatches against slower defenders.

Another key aspect of DeBoer’s offense is the emphasis on spreading the ball around. A heavy focus on wide receivers such as Kendrick Law and Isaiah Bond has been a priority. Law, a dynamic freshman, has been a standout performer in early practices, impressing with his speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss. Bond, who was a breakout star last season, has continued to develop and show an ability to stretch the field vertically. Look for both of these receivers to play pivotal roles in the passing game.

Additionally, the running back room has looked strong, with Jase McClellan leading the charge. McClellan has displayed impressive burst and vision in his first week of spring practice, making him a vital piece of the offense, especially as the Tide looks to balance their newfound aerial attack with a strong ground game. McClellan’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield will make him an even more valuable weapon in DeBoer’s system.

Defensive Adjustments: Aggressive Playmaking

While the offense is undergoing a makeover, don’t expect Alabama’s defense to take a backseat. The Tide has always prided itself on its defensive excellence, and the first week of spring practice proved that defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is continuing that tradition while adding his own touch to the unit.

Alabama’s defense is expected to be more aggressive in 2025, focusing on pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers. Early spring practice footage revealed that Steele is introducing more blitz packages and creative front-seven alignments to disrupt opposing offenses. This strategy aims to capitalize on the defense’s deep talent pool, which includes players like Jeremiah Alexander, who has had an outstanding start to spring practice. The sophomore linebacker is expected to be a centerpiece of the defense moving forward, bringing a strong presence both in pass coverage and in rushing the passer.

The defensive backfield, led by Kool-Aid McKinstry, looks poised for another strong season. McKinstry is a lockdown corner with elite ball skills, and his ability to read the quarterback and jump routes has already made an impact during spring practice. The secondary is expected to play a critical role in Alabama’s ability to force turnovers and turn defense into offense, something that will complement the up-tempo style that DeBoer wants to implement.

Injury Updates and Player Recovery

As is always the case with spring practices, health is a key factor in a team’s overall development. Alabama has been fortunate thus far, with only a few minor injuries affecting practice. One notable injury concern was to senior offensive lineman Evan Neal, who underwent offseason surgery. However, early reports indicate that Neal is recovering well and is expected to participate in full-team drills soon. His return will be crucial for Alabama’s offensive line, which will be tasked with protecting whoever ends up at quarterback and opening up holes for the running backs.

Additionally, Jaheim Oatis, a standout defensive lineman, has been a player to watch. Oatis was sidelined with a minor injury during the first few days of practice but is expected to return to action soon. His size and ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage will be pivotal for the Crimson Tide’s defensive success.

Looking Ahead: The A-Day Game and Beyond

As spring practice continues to unfold, the anticipation for the annual A-Day Game is building. The scrimmage, scheduled for April 12, 2025, at Bryant-Denny Stadium, will provide a final opportunity for fans to see how far the team has come in DeBoer’s first spring. While it’s still early in the process, the A-Day Game will serve as an important checkpoint for evaluating player progress, particularly at quarterback, where the battle between Simpson, Milroe, and Lonergan will likely be a focal point.

An Exciting New Era for Alabama Football

In just the first week of spring practice, there has already been plenty of excitement surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide. With a new coach, a revamped offensive scheme, and intense competition at key positions, the 2025 season has the potential to be a thrilling one for Alabama fans. While much remains to be determined, the foundation for success is being built, and the journey toward a new chapter in Alabama football has officially begun.

As spring practice continues, expect more details to emerge, especially as the quarterback battle heats up and the offense and defense further refine their respective strategies. One thing is for certain: Alabama football is entering an exciting period, and this team is ready to take the next step in its pursuit of excellence.