Alabama Football: 5 Position Groups We Have Questions About Ahead of A-Day
With spring practices well underway, the Alabama Crimson Tide football program is gearing up for another season with high expectations. Head coach Nick Saban and his staff are hard at work as they aim to reload and reload again with the influx of top-tier talent. Alabama is coming off a strong season but always faces major questions to answer heading into the next year.
One of the most exciting events of Alabama’s spring practice calendar is the annual A-Day game. This scrimmage-style game gives fans a first look at how the team is shaping up as the new season approaches. While the team boasts immense talent across nearly every position group, there are still lingering questions that will need to be answered during the spring and heading into the summer.
Here are five key position groups that Alabama fans should pay attention to as we approach A-Day, as there are several questions to be answered at each spot.
1. Quarterback: Who Will Take the Reins After Bryce Young?
For the first time in what feels like forever, Alabama football is entering a season without Bryce Young at quarterback. The former Heisman Trophy winner, who led Alabama to numerous big-game victories, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving a massive void at the most important position on the field.
The questions at quarterback are the most significant for Alabama as they prepare for A-Day. Jalen Milroe, who saw limited action in relief of Young in 2024, is widely considered the frontrunner to inherit the starting job. Milroe is known for his strong arm and athleticism, but he’ll need to show improved decision-making, accuracy, and leadership to reassure the coaching staff that he can be the next great Alabama quarterback.
However, Milroe isn’t the only contender. Ty Simpson, a highly touted freshman with great potential, will also be fighting for the role. Simpson has the talent to make an immediate impact, with a smooth release and good mechanics. The battle between Milroe and Simpson will be one of the most important storylines of A-Day, as the coaching staff looks to determine who can take the reins of the Alabama offense.
Key Questions: Can Milroe improve his passing accuracy and decision-making? Can Simpson show he’s ready to compete for the starting job in his first spring?
2. Wide Receiver: Who Will Step Up in the Absence of Elite Playmakers?
Alabama’s wide receiver corps has always been among the best in the country, with a long line of elite talent heading to the NFL in recent years. With Jahmyr Gibbs (a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield) and Jermaine Burton both departing, Alabama will need someone to emerge as the go-to target for the quarterback in 2025.
In the absence of last year’s top players, it’s time for others to step up. Ja’Corey Brooks, who had several clutch performances in 2024, is likely to take on a more prominent role as the top receiver. Brooks possesses good size, athleticism, and strong hands, making him a reliable option in the passing game.
But Brooks won’t be the only one trying to fill the void. Treshon Holden, who has flashed potential, and Kobe Prentice, an intriguing young talent, could both take advantage of their opportunities this spring. With a new starting quarterback under center, this position group will need to be in sync with the signal-caller, and A-Day will serve as a barometer for who can step up and take control of the receiving corps.
Key Questions: Can Ja’Corey Brooks take his game to the next level as the No. 1 receiver? Will any of the young wideouts such as Treshon Holden or Kobe Prentice emerge as key playmakers?
3. Offensive Line: Can the Tide Find Consistency?
As always, Alabama’s offensive line will be crucial to the success of the offense in 2025. The line has had its ups and downs over the last few years, and the team is looking for consistent play across the board in 2025. While the offensive line group is stacked with talent, it’s important to figure out which players will step up and deliver consistent performances.
Evan Neal, a standout at tackle, declared for the NFL Draft, leaving a void at the offensive tackle spots. Tyler Booker and Jahmar Brown have the potential to fill those roles, but they’ll need to prove themselves in spring practices. Additionally, Alabama will be looking for an anchor at center to solidify the interior of the line. Darrian Dalcourt has the experience to step into that role, but his consistency and leadership will be key in spring ball.
The Alabama offensive line will also need to develop depth in order to withstand the rigors of the SEC schedule. This will be an area to watch closely at A-Day as players compete for starting spots and depth positions.
Key Questions: Which offensive linemen will emerge as starters? Can they find consistency in both pass protection and the running game?
4. Defensive Line: Who Will Be the Next Dominant Pass Rusher?
The Alabama defense is synonymous with elite defensive linemen, and 2025 will be no different. However, one area that will need to be sorted out this spring is the pass rush. With standout pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. heading to the NFL, the Crimson Tide will need someone to step into that role and help create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Dallas Turner is the most likely candidate to take over as Alabama’s primary pass rusher. Turner has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, but he’ll need to consistently impact games to fill Anderson’s massive shoes. On the interior, Jahmyr Gibbs’ replacement at nose tackle will also be an important storyline. Tim Keenan and Byron Young could battle for this spot, with both players showing potential to be disruptive forces in the trenches.
Defensive line coach Freddie Roach will need to work with these players to fine-tune their technique, develop chemistry, and ultimately elevate the defense to another level.
Key Questions: Can Dallas Turner become the next dominant pass rusher for Alabama? Who will step up on the interior to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks?
5. Cornerback: Who Will Take Over in the Secondary?
The Alabama secondary has often been the bedrock of the defense, but with the departure of several key players to the NFL, there are big shoes to fill. The cornerback position is especially crucial, as Alabama has a rich history of producing top-tier cornerbacks who go on to star in the NFL.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is the most notable returner at cornerback and will look to take his game to another level in 2025. McKinstry has all the tools to be a lockdown corner and will be the focal point of Alabama’s secondary this spring. However, the competition at cornerback will be fierce, with Terrion Arnold and Terryon Arnold fighting for starting spots as well. Both players will need to prove themselves in spring practices and show they can match up against the SEC’s top receivers.
Additionally, the safety position could be another area of concern, as Jordan Battle’s departure leaves a gap in the secondary. Brian Branch, who has shown flashes of brilliance, will be expected to step up as a leader in the defensive backfield.
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