To ensure Alabama football is well-prepared for the upcoming A-Day spring game and the 2025 season, there are several key areas the program must focus on. A-Day serves as a critical evaluation tool for the coaching staff, a showcase for fans, and an important step toward fine-tuning Alabama’s roster for the upcoming season. While this is a spring exhibition, the preparations leading into A-Day have a lasting impact on the success of the team. The following are five important things Alabama football must take care of before A-Day to ensure they are primed for success in 2025:

1. Quarterback Battle and Offensive Development

The quarterback position at Alabama has been a topic of great interest and debate for the past several seasons. With the departure of former Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide must find a new leader under center. The competition at quarterback is one of the most critical storylines heading into A-Day, as the quarterback’s development will play a pivotal role in the team’s success next season.

Key Areas to Address:

• Evaluate the Quarterback Depth: Alabama has multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting job, including Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and possibly other newcomers or transfer options. Each of these players offers a different skill set, with Milroe being known for his dual-threat abilities and Simpson showcasing strong passing mechanics. A-Day provides a crucial opportunity for these quarterbacks to prove themselves under pressure and against a variety of defenses.

• Consistency and Accuracy: The Crimson Tide must ensure that whichever quarterback earns the starting job can consistently throw accurate passes, particularly in high-pressure situations. This includes developing chemistry with the wide receivers, reading defenses, and executing under duress. A-Day will be a key moment for quarterbacks to demonstrate their ability to make quick, accurate decisions.

• Offensive Line Protection: The offensive line will need to be prepared to protect the quarterback at all costs, as Alabama’s success often hinges on its offensive line’s ability to control the trenches. The line must improve its blocking schemes to give the quarterback time to survey the field and make plays downfield.

• Offensive Scheme: With a new quarterback at the helm, Alabama’s offensive scheme might be tweaked to fit the skill set of its signal-caller. If Milroe wins the job, for example, we can expect more designed runs and play-action passes. On the other hand, if Simpson takes the starting role, the offense might feature more traditional drop-back passing. A-Day will allow coaches to implement a new offensive philosophy and see how well the players adapt to it.

Focus Before A-Day: Alabama needs to establish a clear plan for the quarterback battle. The coaches should evaluate how each player performs in both individual drills and team settings. A-Day should serve as an extended evaluation of the quarterbacks’ decision-making, leadership skills, and overall readiness to lead the offense in the fall.

2. Wide Receiver and Passing Game Development

Alabama has historically been a team with elite wide receivers, and the 2025 season is no different. While the team returns a solid group of receivers, including potential stars like Ja’Corey Brooks and Isaiah Bond, there is still work to be done in terms of developing chemistry, improving route running, and establishing consistency in the passing game.

Key Areas to Address:

• Receiver Development: The wide receivers must continue developing their route running and ball-tracking skills. There’s a lot of young talent in this group, including several incoming freshmen and sophomores who could make an immediate impact. Players like Kobe Prentice, Malik Benson, and Jalen Hale are expected to push for playing time, so it will be important for them to showcase their talents in practice leading up to A-Day.

• Connection with Quarterbacks: The passing game is only as good as the connection between the quarterbacks and the receivers. With a new starting quarterback, developing timing and trust will be crucial for the offense. Whether it’s deep ball accuracy, timing on slant routes, or the ability to adjust to the quarterback’s style of play, A-Day will be the first real chance to see if the quarterbacks and wide receivers are in sync.

• Improved Route Running: While Alabama has numerous talented receivers, their route running and separation from defenders need to be consistently high. There have been periods in the past where receivers struggled to get open in high-pressure situations, especially against tougher SEC defenses. A-Day should allow coaches to identify which receivers are refining their technique and which ones need additional work in this area.

• Depth and Versatility: Having depth at the wide receiver position will be critical, especially with the unpredictable nature of injuries and changes during the season. The team needs to develop multiple wide receivers capable of stepping up at any given moment. The 2025 roster has the talent to rotate multiple players, and A-Day will help solidify the pecking order.

Focus Before A-Day: Alabama’s passing game needs to be evaluated in terms of timing, precision, and creativity. The wide receivers must establish strong relationships with the quarterbacks, ensuring they’re on the same page with route concepts, timing, and making adjustments on the fly.

3. Defensive Line and Pass Rush Development

Alabama’s defense has been known for its dominance in the trenches, and the 2025 team will need to continue that tradition. One of the most pressing needs for the defense is the pass rush. While the defensive front is expected to feature talent like Jaheim Oatis and Justin Eboigbe, Alabama must ensure that it has enough depth and consistency to pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively.

Key Areas to Address:

• Pass Rush Development: The defensive line must generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. Alabama’s pass rush was a bit inconsistent at times in 2024, and heading into the 2025 season, this will need to be a major focus. The team must develop new pass-rush techniques and schemes that will allow them to get to opposing quarterbacks quickly.

• Defensive Line Depth: In addition to having standout stars, Alabama needs to develop depth along the defensive line to rotate players and keep everyone fresh. The defensive line has been a source of strength for Alabama, but to compete for a national title, the line must be formidable in all situations, whether it’s against the run or rushing the passer. A-Day is an opportunity for young defensive linemen to show their potential.

• Run Defense: The defensive line’s ability to stop the run is just as crucial as their ability to rush the passer. Alabama must be solid against teams that like to grind out the clock and gain ground on the ground. The defensive line must maintain its gap integrity and tackle effectively to force third-and-long situations that set up favorable pass-rushing opportunities.

Focus Before A-Day: Before A-Day, Alabama needs to solidify its defensive line rotation and pass-rush strategies. The team needs to make sure they are ready to face the powerful SEC offenses, which will test the defensive line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and impose their will.

4. Secondary Play and Defensive Backfield Cohesion

Alabama’s secondary has been a crucial part of its defensive success over the years, and while the team has some experienced players like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Malachi Moore, there are still questions surrounding the depth and overall cohesion of the defensive backfield. The secondary must step up in coverage, especially as offenses in the SEC have become more pass-heavy.

Key Areas to Address:

• Cornerback Play: With Kool-Aid McKinstry likely locked in as a starter, the focus will be on finding a reliable second cornerback and developing depth at the position. Young players like Jahlil Hurley and transfer additions must prove they can hold their own against top-tier SEC receivers.

• Safety Play: The safety position, which has been a strength in previous years, will be vital for the success of Alabama’s defense. Malachi Moore and others in the safety room must step up in both pass coverage and run support. The safeties should also excel at reading opposing quarterbacks and making timely adjustments.

• Communication and Cohesion: The secondary must develop better communication, particularly in zone coverage and pass-off situations. Miscommunications can lead to big plays, and Alabama’s defense has occasionally been caught off-guard in previous seasons. A-Day will be an important test to see how well the secondary can work together to cover complex passing concepts.

Focus Before A-Day: The secondary should be evaluating coverage skills, recognizing offensive signals, and improving on turnovers. This group must be able to work seamlessly together to eliminate mistakes and provide support for the front seven in both pass and run defense.

5. Special Teams and Kicking Game

While special teams often take a backseat in the discussion, they can be a deciding factor in close games, particularly when playing against strong SEC opponents. Alabama needs to solidify its kicking game, both in terms of field goals and punting, as well as its kick and punt return units. Special teams were a bit inconsistent at times in recent seasons, and improvements must be made before A-Day.

Key Areas to Address:

• Kicking and Punting: The kicking game is always a critical factor in games decided by a few points, and Alabama needs to have a reliable kicker. The punting game must also be consistent in terms of distance, hang time, and the ability to pin opponents deep in their territory.

• Return Units: Special teams’ return units, both for punts and kickoffs, need to establish playmaking potential. Alabama has had some big returns in the past, and they need to continue to make explosive plays in the return game to put the offense in favorable field positions.

Focus Before A-Day: Before A-Day, Alabama must assess its kicking and punting game, while also evaluating returner options. If the Tide can consistently win in special teams, it could make a huge difference in securing field position and swing momentum in critical games.

As Alabama prepares for A-Day, it must focus on evaluating and improving its roster in multiple critical areas. Whether it’s quarterback play, offensive development, defensive line depth, secondary play, or special teams, every element must be carefully assessed and refined. While A-Day is primarily an exhibition game, it serves as a crucial moment for players to showcase their skills, make a case for starting roles, and prove their readiness for the upcoming season. By addressing these five key areas before A-Day, Alabama will position itself for success in 2025 and beyond.