6 Questions Heading into Week 2 of Alabama Football 2025 Spring Practice
As Alabama’s 2025 football season looms on the horizon, the Crimson Tide are already deep into their spring practices, aiming to build on their perennial status as one of college football’s elite programs. Nick Saban and his coaching staff have established a culture of excellence that never takes a year off, and the spring practices serve as a critical time to evaluate the current roster, develop new talent, and prepare for the upcoming season. Heading into Week 2 of Alabama’s spring practice, the team faces several key questions that will shape the trajectory of the program and provide fans with a glimpse of what to expect come fall.
From evaluating the development of quarterback play to ensuring that key position groups are ready for another national title run, there’s a lot to keep an eye on as the season draws closer. Here are the six most pressing questions heading into Week 2 of Alabama’s 2025 spring football practice:
1. Who Will Emerge as the Starting Quarterback?
Perhaps the most significant question heading into the spring practices revolves around the quarterback position. Alabama is in the midst of a quarterback competition, and the battle for the starting spot is expected to dominate headlines throughout the spring and summer. With Jalen Milroe coming off a solid 2024 season as the starting quarterback, it seemed like he might have a leg up going into spring practice. However, Ty Simpson and Dylan Lonergan are both highly touted quarterbacks with big-time potential who will be pushing for the role.
Jalen Milroe showcased his dual-threat capabilities last season, particularly with his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. However, inconsistencies in his passing accuracy and decision-making at times left the door open for his competitors. Heading into Week 2 of spring practice, the big question will be whether Milroe has improved as a passer, particularly in making more precise throws and handling the offense’s pace with more consistency.
Ty Simpson, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his limited action so far, brings a more traditional quarterback style. Simpson has good arm strength, accuracy, and the poise necessary to lead the offense. His development could be crucial for Alabama’s offense moving forward, as Simpson’s skill set aligns with the type of quarterback that Nick Saban often favors — one who can run the system efficiently while also making plays when necessary.
Lastly, Dylan Lonergan, a 2025 recruit, enters the mix as a highly regarded freshman who could surprise the veteran quarterbacks. Although he is the youngest of the trio, Lonergan’s high football IQ and ability to make all the throws could place him in the conversation as the starting quarterback, especially if the upperclassmen fail to separate themselves.
As the spring progresses, it will be interesting to see how each quarterback adjusts to the competition, how they perform in team drills, and how well they handle the pressure of running Alabama’s high-octane offense.
2. How Will the Offensive Line Evolve?
The Alabama offensive line has been one of the most consistent and dominant units in college football for over a decade. However, heading into the 2025 season, the Crimson Tide face a unique challenge: significant turnover along the offensive line. With several key players from last year’s offensive line leaving for the NFL, there are several new faces that will need to step up and prove themselves in the trenches.
One of the primary questions is: Who will fill the void at tackle? After the departure of J.C. Latham and Tyler Booker, two foundational players on the line, Alabama has some uncertainty at the offensive tackle spots. Kendall Randolph, Damieon George, and Jahmarion Miller have all had varying levels of experience and promise. Who emerges as the top option at left and right tackle will go a long way in determining how well Alabama’s offense functions in 2025.
Additionally, with the departure of center Darrian Dalcourt, who will step up to command the line? James Brockermeyer and Terrence Ferguson are expected to be in the mix for the center position, with their ability to communicate effectively with the quarterbacks and maintain strong pocket protection being crucial for Alabama’s success.
Finally, Alabama will also need to develop depth along the offensive line. While the starters are vital, the ability to rotate and have quality backups will be essential, especially in the demanding SEC schedule. It’s clear that Week 2 of spring practice will be pivotal for determining which players will become reliable contributors on the offensive line.
3. Can the Wide Receiver Corps Find a Consistent Playmaker?
For Alabama’s offense to truly take flight in 2025, the wide receiver corps must develop a consistent playmaker capable of making explosive plays on a weekly basis. While Jermaine Burton, Isaiah Bond, and Ja’Corey Brooks all return from the 2024 season, the question heading into the spring is whether one of them can truly break out as the go-to guy in the passing game.
In previous seasons, Alabama has been spoiled by standout receivers like DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, and Jaylen Waddle. However, in recent years, the receiving corps has lacked that clear-cut No. 1 option who can consistently produce big plays. Burton, who had flashes of brilliance in 2024, will need to step up as the senior leader of the group. His ability to separate from defenders and make tough catches in critical situations will be crucial for Alabama’s passing game.
Meanwhile, Isaiah Bond and Ja’Corey Brooks both showed moments of promise but failed to sustain consistent production in 2024. With Tyler Harrell transferring out and other new recruits like Cole Adams entering the fold, it remains to be seen which players can emerge as a consistent receiving threat for Alabama’s quarterback, whichever player that might be.
Spring practice provides a crucial opportunity for these receivers to develop chemistry with their quarterbacks, particularly in high-pressure scenarios. Who will step up and take control of the receiving room will likely dictate the success of the offense throughout the year.
4. What Will the Running Back Rotation Look Like?
Although Alabama is traditionally known for its power running game, the 2025 season presents a unique opportunity for Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to experiment with different running back rotations. The running back position is expected to be one of the most competitive position battles of the spring, with several talented players vying for playing time.
Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, both of whom have contributed in various capacities over the past seasons, will be expected to carry the load in 2025. McClellan’s blend of speed and vision, coupled with Williams’ powerful running style, gives Alabama a solid one-two punch at running back. However, the question is whether they will be able to produce consistently against the tough defenses in the SEC.
Newcomer Justice Haynes, a 2025 freshman, is another player who will be heavily scrutinized during the spring. Haynes, a highly-touted recruit, is known for his impressive vision and ability to break tackles. He could be a game-changer in the backfield if he can transition quickly to college football.
In terms of the overall rotation, will Saban opt for a committee approach or focus on a primary running back? This will be an important question that will have a big impact on the offense’s efficiency and balance as the season progresses.
5. How Will the Secondary Hold Up?
Alabama’s secondary is another unit that will need to undergo significant adjustments in 2025. With the departures of key defensive backs such as Brian Branch and Kool-Aid McKinstry, there will be new faces in the backfield that will need to step up. The Crimson Tide have some promising talent in the secondary, including Earl Little Jr., Malachi Moore, and Dee Sorey, but there is still a lot of uncertainty as to which players will take on starting roles and emerge as lockdown defenders.
Additionally, the safety position remains a key area of focus. Jordan Battle, who has been a standout safety for Alabama in recent years, has now left for the NFL, leaving a gap that must be filled. Players like Ja’Corey Brooks and Tre’Vaughn McVay will have to prove they can excel in the deep coverage role and prevent explosive plays down the field.
With the growing talent of SEC offenses, Alabama’s defense will need to continue its tradition of excellent secondary play in order to compete for championships. The secondary’s ability to shut down opposing pass attacks will be a key component in determining Alabama’s defense’s success in 2025.
6. How Will the Defensive Line Adjust Without Will Anderson Jr.?
One of the biggest questions heading into Week 2 of Alabama’s spring practice is how the defense will adjust without Will Anderson Jr., the NFL-bound pass rusher who was one of the most dominant defensive players in college football over the last few seasons. Anderson’s impact on Alabama’s defense cannot be overstated; his ability to generate pressure, set the edge against the run, and disrupt opposing quarterbacks was a key component of the defense’s success.
Without Anderson, Alabama’s defensive line will need to find a new leader to generate pressure. Players like Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, and Keanu Koht will all have to step up to fill the void left by Anderson’s departure. Turner, who has shown flashes of brilliance, will need to emerge as the dominant edge rusher that Alabama needs in