2024 Season Overview
The 2024 season didn't quite go as planned for Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide experienced their first year without the legendary Nick Saban, concluding with four losses—marking the most since Saban’s initial season in 2007. Nonetheless, excitement for the upcoming 2025 season is palpable. The Tide is set to return a formidable defense brimming with stars at every level, along with a top-tier offensive line and a dynamic set of running backs. The offense will be led by the electrifying wide receiver Ryan Williams, a standout talent in college football. The primary concern will be identifying Jalen Milroe's successor at quarterback; however, Alabama has several intriguing candidates vying for the position.
https://markchichester.github.io/PFF_Chichester/alabama-widget-fullplayers.html" style="width:100%; max-width:950px; height:650px; border:none;" loading="lazyBiggest Strength: A Star-Studded Defense
Alabama stands out as one of the few programs featuring top-10 units across the defensive line, at linebacker, and within the secondary. Notably, the Tide is the sole team boasting a top-10 player at every defensive position.
Biggest Weakness: Inexperience at Quarterback
With Jalen Milroe now starting his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, Alabama enters the 2025 season facing an open competition for the quarterback spot. Redshirt junior Ty Simpson is currently seen as the frontrunner. However, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and the highly regarded true freshman Keelon Russell are very much in contention. Although all three quarterbacks exhibit plenty of talent, a lack of collegiate experience adds an element of intrigue and uncertainty to the Crimson Tide’s offense.
Three Significant Transfer Portal Additions
- CB Cameron Calhoun (Utah): 82.8 PFF Grade
- WR Isaiah Horton (Miami): 70.6 PFF Grade
- LB Nikhai Hill-Green (Colorado): 60.3 PFF Grade
Three Significant Transfer Portal Losses
- RB Justice Haynes (Michigan): 75.3 PFF Grade
- CB DeVonta Smith (Notre Dame): 71.3 PFF Grade
- OT Elijah Pritchett (Nebraska): 47.2 PFF Grade
▶ Watch: Alabama Football 2025 Season Preview: National Title Contender?
Quarterback Spotlight: Ty Simpson
- 2024 Grade: 74.9
- Key Stat: Zero career starts
Overview: Ty Simpson is regarded as the leading candidate for Alabama's starting quarterback position, although he will need to fend off redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell during the offseason. Limited game experience has characterized Simpson’s career so far, as he carries a respectable 75.5 passing grade across only 65 dropbacks. If he secures the starting role, he will step into an immensely talented roster, facing high expectations in Tuscaloosa.
Strengths: Simpson offers a contrasting style to Alabama's former starter, Jalen Milroe. As a pocket passer, he excels in rhythm and timing, particularly performing well in the middle of the field, where he holds an impressive 88.0 passing grade. While Simpson possesses mobility to avoid pressure and scramble when necessary, he is not likely to be used in a running capacity similar to Milroe's role.
Weaknesses: The lack of experience looms large for Simpson in his quest to secure the starting position. Having had only 65 career dropbacks, most of his high-pressure experience came during a low-scoring victory against USF in 2023, where he replaced Tyler Buchner. Simpson's performance under SEC-caliber pressure will likely dictate his success in 2025.
Offensive Player Spotlight: WR Ryan Williams
Securing a spot on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26 as a true sophomore is no small feat, underscoring the impressive debut season for Ryan Williams. With 865 receiving yards in 2024, he ranked just behind Jeremiah Smith among FBS true freshmen, standing out in a competitive class. Williams also led his cohort with 170 receiving yards after contact, placing second to Smith in several categories, including receiving touchdowns (eight) and yards after the catch (397).
Standing at 6 feet and weighing 175 pounds, Williams combines elite speed with remarkable body control, marking him as the No. 2 receiver in college football heading into the 2025 season. Remember, he was just 17 throughout his freshman year—an impressive fact in itself! ⚡️
Defensive Player Spotlight: EDGE LT Overton
With Alabama showcasing top-10 talent at every defensive position, LT Overton emerges as a standout candidate following a breakout 2024 season. This former top-15 recruit took a winding path through Texas A&M, where he struggled initially with a 61.5 PFF grade over two years.
A transfer to Alabama revitalized his career. Overton excelled as one of the top 15 edge defenders in the country, boasting an impressive 18% pass-rush win rate—placing him among the national leaders—and achieving an 81.7 run-defense grade, ranking 25th overall. Weighing in at 283 pounds, he possesses the versatility to thrive as both an edge rusher and a defensive tackle.
The Bottom Line
With one of college football's most formidable defenses and elite talent in skill positions, Alabama’s aspirations for a national title in 2025 hinge on securing steady quarterback performance. 🎯