This spring, Qua Russaw shared the Alabama football leaders’ list. Also, a Crimson Tide quarterback was selected.
As spring practice began in 2025, Alabama Crimson Tide football was once again at the forefront of college football conversation. This time, the spotlight was not just on the expected championship aspirations, but also on key individuals who would be crucial in shaping the team’s performance both immediately and for years to come. Among these figures was Qua Russaw, a name that had become synonymous with leadership and tenacity on the defensive side of the ball. Additionally, the quarterback position—a focal point of any football team—gained extra attention this spring, particularly with the continued development of Jalen Milroe and the influx of future talent such as incoming recruit Keelon Russell.
Qua Russaw: Defensive Leader and Playmaker
Qua Russaw, a linebacker who has become a cornerstone of Alabama’s defense, emerged as one of the most highly regarded players in the nation. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him a natural fit for the linebacker position, and by the spring of 2025, he had firmly cemented himself as a leader on defense. Russaw’s ability to diagnose plays, his pursuit of the ball carrier, and his ability to make game-changing tackles set him apart from many of his peers.
Alabama’s defense has always been a hallmark of the program’s success, and Russaw’s presence only added to the unit’s reputation. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Russaw flourished, developing into one of the nation’s top linebackers. His leadership on and off the field was instrumental in shaping the defensive philosophy for the season. Russaw was not just a player to watch because of his athletic prowess, but also because of his role as a mentor to younger players in the linebacker corps. His impact went beyond the X’s and O’s; Russaw’s drive to elevate those around him was a crucial part of Alabama’s defensive culture.
Over the course of spring camp, Russaw consistently demonstrated his ability to be both a physical presence and a cerebral player. Whether it was reading the quarterback’s eyes, deciphering offensive schemes, or providing a physical challenge for opposing blockers, Russaw’s consistency stood out. His leadership was essential for a defense looking to assert its dominance once again in the SEC. His growth was a direct reflection of the intense, high-caliber training that has long been associated with Alabama football, and he was poised to be a major factor in the upcoming season.
Jalen Milroe: The Quarterback Journey
As much as Russaw’s emergence as a leader on defense provided optimism for Alabama fans, the quarterback position was another area of focus for the team. Jalen Milroe, entering his second season as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide, was faced with a series of challenges that would determine both his future and the team’s success. Milroe’s dual-threat abilities were undeniable—his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs created headaches for opposing defenses. Yet, his inconsistency over the previous season had many wondering if he could take the next step and lead Alabama back to a championship.
Milroe’s spring practices were marked by flashes of brilliance, where his arm strength and mobility were on full display. His ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and hit deep throws was something few quarterbacks in the country could replicate. However, his growth was not without challenges. At times, Milroe’s decision-making under pressure faltered, and his accuracy on intermediate throws remained an area for improvement. These inconsistencies were not unusual for a quarterback transitioning to a leadership role at a program with Alabama’s expectations, but they were critical obstacles that needed to be addressed.
Head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees were committed to developing Milroe, providing him with the tools and guidance to enhance his decision-making and refine his mechanics. Rees, in particular, focused on tailoring the offensive scheme to Milroe’s strengths, utilizing his ability to make plays with his legs while also honing his passing accuracy. Milroe’s development would ultimately play a huge role in determining whether Alabama could return to the top of college football, and spring practice was viewed as a pivotal time for him to take a significant step forward.
As Milroe continued to work on his consistency, the Alabama coaching staff was cautiously optimistic about his potential. The team’s spring scrimmages showed both promise and areas for further growth. If Milroe could continue to develop under the guidance of Saban and Rees, he had the potential to become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. However, questions still lingered—could Milroe find the level of consistency needed to win the biggest games? That was the ultimate question for the Crimson Tide, and it would determine the trajectory of their 2025 season.
The Quarterback Competition: Incoming Freshman Keelon Russell
While Jalen Milroe was the incumbent starter, Alabama’s recruiting efforts brought in a highly touted freshman in Keelon Russell. Russell, a five-star recruit, was regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. Standing at 6’4″ and possessing a rocket arm and exceptional mobility, Russell was considered a future star. While the coaching staff was committed to developing Milroe for the immediate future, the addition of Russell created an intriguing dynamic at the quarterback position.
Russell’s arrival brought with it both excitement and pressure. Alabama’s coaching staff was thrilled by his potential and the competition he would provide at the quarterback position. Russell’s high school film showed a player with an advanced understanding of the game, possessing both the physical tools and the mental acumen to thrive at the college level. His natural ability to read defenses and make quick decisions made him a formidable candidate to push for playing time. However, as is often the case with top recruits, Russell’s early career would require patience as he adjusted to the speed of the college game.
While Milroe remained the starting quarterback heading into spring practice, the expectation was that Russell’s presence would make the competition more intense. It was clear that Milroe could not afford to rest on his laurels, as Russell’s talent and work ethic made him a legitimate contender for the role. The arrival of Russell only added to the high level of competition within the quarterback room, creating an environment where both players were motivated to improve. It would be fascinating to see how the competition evolved over the course of the season, with both quarterbacks potentially contributing in different ways.
NFL Draft Considerations: Milroe’s Future at the Next Level
As the 2025 NFL Draft approached, Jalen Milroe’s future was a topic of much debate. While Milroe had shown immense talent during his time at Alabama, scouts were divided on his projection to the NFL. His physical attributes were undeniable—his athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability all pointed to a player capable of excelling at the next level. Yet, his inconsistency in terms of accuracy and decision-making raised questions about his readiness for the professional ranks.
The NFL draft scouting community was keeping a close eye on Milroe’s development throughout the 2025 college season. If Milroe could put together a solid, consistent season, he could elevate his draft stock significantly. However, his history of ups and downs meant that his draft prospects were uncertain, and many teams would need to see significant progress in his game before committing to him as a future franchise quarterback.
As the season progressed, Milroe would have the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and show that his raw talent could translate into NFL success. Alabama fans were hopeful that Milroe would continue to improve, taking his game to the next level as he worked toward his ultimate goal of making it to the NFL.
A Season of Opportunity and Challenge
The spring of 2025 was a time of both opportunity and challenge for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Qua Russaw’s emergence as a defensive leader provided a sense of stability on that side of the ball, while the quarterback position remained a focal point of the program’s future. Jalen Milroe, though inconsistent at times, showed the flashes of brilliance that made him a dynamic player, and his development throughout the season would be critical to Alabama’s success. Meanwhile, incoming freshman Keelon Russell brought a fresh wave of excitement to the program, with his potential offering a glimpse into Alabama’s quarterback future.
With a strong defensive unit led by Russaw and an offense guided by Milroe—along with the looming presence of Russell—Alabama had the pieces necessary to contend for a championship. However, questions remained, particularly regarding the quarterback play and Milroe’s consistency. If he could take the next step in his development, Alabama’s championship aspirations would be well within reach. For the Crimson Tide, the spring of 2025 was just the beginning of a journey that would shape their season and potentially their future in college football.