Alabama Football: Five Things to Do Before the A-Day Spring Game

As Alabama football continues its quest for greatness, the arrival of the A-Day spring game marks a pivotal moment in the program’s offseason. A-Day, the Crimson Tide’s annual spring scrimmage, gives fans and coaches a glimpse of what’s to come in the fall, offering an early look at new players, position battles, and emerging talent. This year, as the team prepares for the big day, there are five crucial tasks the program must accomplish before A-Day to ensure a successful spring and solidify its standing as one of the nation’s premier football programs.

1. Establish and Solidify Quarterback Competition

One of the most pressing storylines heading into Alabama’s A-Day game is the quarterback competition. After Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL, Alabama is left with a vacancy at the most important position on the field. While the team boasts a plethora of talent across the board, the search for the next starting quarterback is paramount to ensuring that the offense functions at a high level.

During the spring, Alabama head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have the task of identifying which player will lead the offense in the fall. The A-Day game offers an opportunity for the quarterbacks to showcase their abilities in a live-game scenario, and the coaching staff needs to make sure they’re ready for the pressure.

The Candidates:

Jalen Milroe: As the incumbent backup quarterback, Milroe has already had some experience in significant moments. His athleticism and strong arm make him a dual-threat quarterback, and his ability to stretch the field with both his legs and his arm will be critical in the competition. However, consistency in passing and decision-making will be areas where Milroe needs to prove himself.
Tyler Buchner: The transfer from Notre Dame adds another layer of intrigue to the competition. Known for his strong football IQ and ability to execute an offense, Buchner will be looking to build rapport with the offensive line and wide receivers during the spring. How well he adapts to the fast-paced, high-expectation environment at Alabama will be crucial.
Ty Simpson: The former highly-touted recruit is expected to make a push for the starting job, showcasing his ability to operate a pro-style offense. Simpson’s spring performances will give the coaching staff a clearer picture of his potential as a long-term starter, especially when it comes to decision-making under pressure.

While the A-Day game will not definitively settle the quarterback competition, it will provide valuable insights into which player is best prepared to lead Alabama in 2025. The coaching staff will need to evaluate each quarterback’s poise, ability to read defenses, and efficiency in executing the offense. By the time A-Day is over, one quarterback should have the inside track to securing the starting role.

2. Develop and Test New Offensive Schemes

Under the direction of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Alabama football is entering a new era offensively. Rees, who spent several years at Notre Dame, is known for running a more balanced, physical offense—one that emphasizes power running, tight end usage, and efficient passing. Rees’s system should complement Alabama’s talent, but the spring practice period is essential for refining the offensive playbook and testing out new schemes.

Before A-Day, the Crimson Tide must establish and fine-tune key aspects of Rees’s offensive system to ensure it can thrive in the SEC’s high-pressure environment.

What needs to be tested:

The Run Game: Alabama’s identity has often been tied to its ability to run the ball effectively, and under Rees, this will be no different. The team has a solid group of running backs, led by returning star Jase McClellan and younger talent like Roydell Williams and Justice Haynes. Establishing a power run game, along with a diverse set of plays to keep defenses guessing, will be vital in the spring game.
Tight End Usage: One hallmark of Rees’s offense at Notre Dame was his ability to use tight ends as both blockers and pass-catchers. With Alabama’s stable of talented tight ends, including Cameron Latu (if he decides to return for another season), Amari Niblack, and Danny Lewis, the spring is an ideal time to develop the tight end position. Ensuring that tight ends are integrated into both the running and passing game will be crucial for Rees’s scheme to function efficiently.
Passing Attack: While Alabama has always been a balanced offense, the passing game under the leadership of Bryce Young was elite. Rees’s system will need to develop chemistry with the wide receivers, including talented returners like Jermaine Burton, Isaiah Bond, and Kobe Prentice. The A-Day game will be a key opportunity for Rees to test how well the passing game operates with different quarterbacks, receivers, and protections.

Rees’s offense needs to find a rhythm, ensuring that it can function smoothly in all areas, from the run game to play-action passing. The A-Day game will serve as a litmus test for how effective the scheme can be and where additional adjustments may need to be made before the fall.

3. Identify Key Players on the Offensive Line

The offensive line will be one of the most scrutinized units heading into the 2025 season. While Alabama has traditionally been known for its dominant offensive line, last season’s inconsistency has led to a focus on improvement. Establishing solid offensive line play is essential for both the run and pass game to succeed, and spring practices are crucial for the unit to develop cohesion.

Key areas to focus on:

Tackles: The battle for the starting tackle spots will be one of the most watched position battles. Players like JC Latham and Tyler Booker have flashed potential, but the spring provides an opportunity to establish who can be trusted at the crucial tackle positions. The A-Day game will be an opportunity to test how well the tackles handle pass-rush pressure from Alabama’s talented defensive front.
Interior Offensive Line: The center and guard positions are equally important in Rees’s offense. Players like Seth McLaughlin, Darrian Dalcourt, and Emil Ekiyor will be battling for starting spots, and establishing dominance at the point of attack is a key part of ensuring the offense functions smoothly.
Depth and Chemistry: Offensive lines thrive on continuity and communication. While individual talent is important, the best units are those that work together seamlessly. As the spring progresses and players rotate in and out of different positions, the coaching staff will look for players who not only have the skills but can gel with their fellow linemen. By A-Day, Alabama needs to have a good idea of which players have the best chemistry and which combinations work best for the offense.

A successful A-Day game will give the coaching staff clarity on who is ready to contribute in the fall and where additional work is needed. A solid, consistent offensive line is critical for the success of the new system under Tommy Rees, and the spring practices will serve as a proving ground.

4. Evaluate and Strengthen the Secondary

Alabama’s defense has long been a pillar of the program, and while the unit is stacked with talent, one area that could use additional attention is the secondary. With the departure of several key defensive backs, including standout cornerbacks, the secondary will be under the microscope during spring practice.

Key areas to focus on:

Cornerback Depth: With Kool-Aid McKinstry returning as one of the top cornerbacks in college football, there is a solid foundation in place. However, the team will need to develop depth at the position to ensure they are prepared for the high-octane offenses they will face in the SEC. Players like Terrion Arnold and Earl Little Jr. will be key players to watch during the spring as they fight for playing time and try to show they can be trusted in big moments.
Safety Play: The safety positions will be vital in Alabama’s defensive schemes. With returning players like DeMarcco Hellams and Jordan Battle having left, the Tide will need to fill these spots with new talent. Players like Malachi Moore and Brian Branch will have the opportunity to step into these important roles and provide leadership in the secondary.
Communication and Coverage: As Alabama looks to reload in the secondary, spring practice must focus on establishing strong communication and coverage skills. The secondary will need to work cohesively to deal with the talented wide receivers in the SEC, and the A-Day game will provide a great opportunity to evaluate how well the defensive backs cover the passing game and whether they can create turnovers.

By A-Day, Alabama needs to have a clear sense of its depth in the secondary and identify potential starting corners and safeties. Establishing consistency in coverage and confidence in their ability to shut down passing attacks will be crucial for the defense.

5. Continue Building Depth Across the Roster

While Alabama always recruits well, depth is critical to competing at the highest levels of college football. The spring is a perfect opportunity for developing younger players and building depth at every position.

Focus areas:

Young Talent: Players like Jaylen Mbakwe and Jeremiah Alexander could be stepping into important roles. The A-Day game will give younger players an opportunity to prove they can contribute and be trusted in big games. Saban’s staff has always excelled at developing talent, and the spring period will continue to focus on preparing underclassmen to step up when needed.
Position Battles: Many positions will have multiple players vying for playing time, and A-Day is an opportunity to identify which players have the necessary skill set to contribute in a meaningful way during the season. Whether it’s at wide receiver, linebacker, or defensive line, building depth and determining who can be trusted to play in key moments will be important.
Special Teams: Special teams often determine the outcome of close games, and Alabama must ensure that players who may not start on offense or defense are ready to contribute on special teams. The spring provides an opportunity to assess players’ readiness in these areas.