A Major Depth Chart Shakeup Is Creating Fierce Competition Across the Board for Starting Spots in Tuscaloosa This Fall Camp
The Nick Saban era at Alabama was defined by consistency, structure, and a clear pecking order when it came to talent. Players waited their turn, bided their time, and often developed for a season or two before cracking the starting lineup. That formula produced NFL talent by the dozens and kept Alabama at the top of the college football mountain for over a decade. But with the arrival of Kalen DeBoer, the script is being rewritten — and nowhere is that more obvious than in the Tide’s current depth chart.
Alabama is in the middle of one of the most intense and unpredictable fall camps in recent memory, and the phrase “major depth chart shakeup” is becoming more than just media buzz — it’s reality.
From quarterback to linebacker, from offensive line to secondary, no position group is safe. DeBoer and his staff are evaluating everything. While competition has always been the cornerstone of Alabama football, this new era is placing performance above pedigree, speed over seniority, and execution over reputation. For players and fans alike, it’s creating a mix of excitement, urgency, and uncertainty heading into the 2025 season.
At the heart of the shakeup is DeBoer’s philosophy. Unlike Saban’s methodical system where freshmen were rarely thrown into the fire early, DeBoer doesn’t hesitate to move players around based on how they perform in the moment. Every practice rep matters. Every film session is graded. The result? A highly competitive, merit-based environment that is pushing veterans and newcomers alike.
Let’s start with the most high-profile position: quarterback.
Jalen Milroe is the returning starter and remains the front-runner to lead the Crimson Tide offense in 2025, but redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan and true freshman Keelon Russell have made waves in camp. Lonergan, in particular, has shown an improved understanding of Ryan Grubb’s system and has flashed elite-level arm strength. While Milroe offers the dual-threat experience and leadership, Lonergan’s pure pocket presence fits Grubb’s system to a tee.
Keelon Russell, despite being just months removed from high school, has impressed with poise beyond his years. His quick release, football IQ, and command in 7-on-7 drills have coaches buzzing. While it’s unlikely Milroe loses his job barring injury or drastic underperformance, the fact that Lonergan and Russell are pushing him so hard only underscores the new tone in Tuscaloosa — nothing is guaranteed.
The running back room is another example of the shakeup.
Jam Miller entered spring as the presumed lead back following the departures of Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams to the NFL. But sophomore Justice Haynes is making a strong case to be RB1. Haynes, a former five-star recruit, has looked electric — showcasing improved vision, burst, and pass-catching ability. Freshman Kevin Riley is also climbing the ranks quickly. His physical style and top-end speed are turning heads, and he’s already taken second-team reps over older backs.
At receiver, the competition might be even more intense.
Kobe Prentice and Isaiah Bond were key returners expected to lock down starting spots, but Washington transfer Germie Bernard has stormed into camp and may be Alabama’s best overall receiver right now. Bernard’s chemistry with Milroe, physical route-running, and big-play ability have made him a go-to target during camp. Kendrick Law, who dealt with injuries in 2024, is now healthy and looking like a difference-maker out of the slot.
Adding more to the mix, true freshman Ryan Williams — one of the most hyped Alabama signees in recent memory — is already running with the twos and could crack the rotation early. His speed and hands are undeniable. If he continues to adjust to the physicality of the SEC, he might be too talented to keep off the field.
Tight end is also seeing new faces emerge. Maryland transfer Corey Dyches was brought in to be the featured pass-catching option, and he’s lived up to expectations. His versatility allows Alabama to create mismatches in spread looks. However, redshirt sophomore Amari Niblack is not conceding anything and has shown improved blocking and route-running. The staff is finding ways to get both on the field, including in two-tight-end sets, something that Grubb used effectively at Washington.
Nowhere has the depth chart movement been more significant — or more surprising — than along the offensive line.
Left tackle Kadyn Proctor’s return from Iowa gave Alabama a huge boost, but nothing else along the line has been set in stone. Elijah Pritchett, the former five-star expected to hold down the other tackle spot, has faced heavy competition from Washington transfer Nate Kalepo and redshirt freshman Wilkin Formby. Formby, in particular, has drawn praise for his physicality and consistency.
At center, James Brockermeyer was the early favorite, but sophomore Alinen Olaoluwa has taken major strides and could unseat him before Week 1. The interior spots — left and right guard — have been a carousel of rotations, with veterans like Terrence Ferguson battling young standouts such as true freshman Casey Poe and sophomore Jaeden Roberts.
On the defensive side of the ball, the shakeups have been just as dramatic.
The defensive line, while still anchored by stalwarts like Tim Keenan III and Jah-Marien Latham, has seen explosive growth from younger players. Redshirt freshman Jordan Renaud and true freshman Zion Grady have flashed dominance in 1-on-1 drills. Grady, in particular, looks like a future All-SEC player and is already seeing first-team reps at defensive end.
At linebacker, Deontae Lawson is locked in as the leader of the unit, but the emergence of true sophomore Qua Russaw has been one of the biggest camp stories. Russaw’s speed, strength, and ability to drop into coverage have made him an every-down candidate. With Jihaad Campbell recovering from a spring injury, Russaw’s development has become critical. Keon Keeley, a five-star edge rusher from the 2024 class, is also pushing for meaningful snaps.
The cornerback room — long a staple of Alabama dominance — is undergoing a transformation.
With Kool-Aid McKinstry now in the NFL, sophomore Jahlil Hurley and freshman Zabien Brown are battling it out for the CB1 spot opposite Terrion Arnold. Hurley has length and improved footwork, while Brown brings elite ball skills and confidence. Arnold, the veteran of the group, is helping mentor both while locking down his side of the field.
At safety, true freshman Peyton Woodyard has been one of the biggest surprises. His instincts and tackling ability have made it difficult for the staff to ignore him. Meanwhile, senior Malachi Moore is mentoring the young group while solidifying his role as a hybrid nickel/safety weapon in Kane Wommack’s aggressive scheme.
Special teams is also in flux. Kicker Will Reichard’s departure left a major hole, and the battle to replace him remains unresolved. True freshman Conor Talty and transfer Jonathan Cruz are neck-and-neck in camp, with consistency in pressure situations being the deciding factor. At punter, redshirt sophomore James Burnip returns but is being pushed by freshman Nolan James, who boasts a huge leg and quicker release.
Even the return game is being shaken up. With Kool-Aid and McKinstry gone, the Tide are auditioning a rotating cast that includes Bond, Law, and Williams for both punt and kick return duties.
All of this movement points to a single truth: the Alabama depth chart is no longer etched in stone. Under DeBoer, it is fluid, flexible, and based solely on merit.
This may not be what Alabama fans are used to, but it’s what the program needs right now. By creating an atmosphere of constant competition and honest evaluation, DeBoer is setting a new tone. No more waiting your turn. No more riding reputation. If you can ball, you’re going to play.
That mentality is reinvigorating a locker room that might have otherwise fractured after Saban’s departure. Instead, it’s brought the team together — bonded not by tradition alone, but by a shared hunger to prove themselves in a new system under a new coach.
As fall camp nears its conclusion and the 2025 opener against Florida State looms, don’t expect the depth chart to be fully finalized. DeBoer is likely to keep rotations fluid into September, rewarding players who rise to the occasion.
And if the camp battles so far are any indication, the next wave of Alabama stars — many of them young, hungry, and previously overlooked — are ready to seize their moment. The shakeup in Tuscaloosa isn’t chaos. It’s a recalibration.
And it might just be exactly what Alabama needs to thrive in the post-Saban era.
