As the sun begins to shine over Bryant-Denny Stadium and the spring air grows warmer, Alabama football fans are gearing up for their annual rite of passage: the A-Day game. This iconic spring scrimmage offers fans an exclusive preview of the Crimson Tide ahead of the upcoming season, and after a rollercoaster campaign, expectations are high. With new talent, emerging stars, and intriguing position battles, there’s plenty for Alabama faithful to look forward to this year.
Each spring, A-Day serves as an opportunity to glimpse the future of Alabama football while also seeing how the team is evolving under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban. From the development of returning players to fresh faces who could make an impact, there’s no shortage of storylines that will have fans talking long after the final whistle blows. As the A-Day game draws near, here are four key things Crimson Tide fans should expect to see during this important spring showcase.
1. The Quarterback Battle: Who Will Be the Starting QB for 2025?
One of the most hotly anticipated aspects of A-Day 2025 is the ongoing quarterback battle, a position that has seen significant turnover in recent seasons. While the Tide has traditionally had strong, experienced quarterbacks under Saban, this year’s spring game offers an exciting opportunity to see how the new crop of signal-callers is progressing.
Heading into spring practices, the competition for the starting role is fierce, with several quarterbacks fighting for their chance to lead the Alabama offense. Jalen Milroe, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, is back for his junior season and is widely considered the frontrunner to start. Milroe’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership helped Alabama reach the SEC Championship game last year. However, the A-Day game will offer fans the first extended look at whether he can take that next step and prove that he’s the long-term solution under center.
While Milroe has shown flashes of brilliance, questions remain about his consistency as a passer. A-Day will likely be a crucial opportunity for him to show improvement in his passing accuracy and decision-making, particularly in the pocket. Fans can expect to see Milroe attempt several deep balls, and his ability to execute these passes will be a key point of evaluation. If he is to solidify his role as the starter, A-Day will be a crucial checkpoint to demonstrate both growth and stability in his game.
That said, Milroe will face stiff competition from freshmen and sophomores eager to make an impact. Ty Simpson, who spent last season learning under Saban’s tutelage, is poised for a breakout spring. As a highly touted recruit, Simpson brings a polished throwing motion and the ability to read defenses with great maturity for his age. If he performs well in the A-Day game, the Alabama coaching staff may have a tough decision on their hands regarding who takes the snaps come fall.
Another name to keep an eye on is redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan, a highly rated prospect with a big arm and impressive potential. While Lonergan is considered a longshot to win the job in 2025, A-Day could serve as his opportunity to show that he is ready for the big stage.
Ultimately, no matter who emerges as the starting quarterback in 2025, A-Day will provide a valuable insight into the direction of Alabama’s offense. Fans should expect to see plenty of experimentation in the passing game, with Milroe and Simpson (and perhaps Lonergan) given equal reps to show what they can bring to the table.
2. The Running Back Depth Chart: Who Will Step Up to Replace Jahmyr Gibbs?
Another major storyline for the Crimson Tide heading into the 2025 season is the loss of star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was one of the most explosive players on the team last season. Gibbs has since moved on to the NFL, and now Alabama is looking for someone to step up and fill that sizable hole in the backfield. The A-Day game is the perfect occasion for Alabama fans to see who could emerge as the next great running back for the Tide.
The running back position for Alabama has traditionally been one of the most talent-rich on the roster, and this year is no exception. The Crimson Tide’s backfield is loaded with potential, and A-Day will give fans a first look at how the competition is shaping up.
Jase McClellan, a veteran running back who has had flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, is the leading candidate to take over as the primary ball carrier. McClellan has shown the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, but injuries have limited his opportunities in the past. If healthy, McClellan could become the featured back, and A-Day will be an important proving ground for him.
Another name to watch is Roydell Williams, a powerful and physical back who could also see a prominent role in 2025. Williams has been a reliable option for the Tide over the past few seasons, and he brings a different skill set than McClellan—more of a downhill, bruising style of running. Williams’ ability to wear down defenses with his physicality could make him a perfect complement to McClellan’s speed and agility.
In addition to McClellan and Williams, Alabama also boasts a few highly touted freshmen who could quickly make a name for themselves. Justice Haynes, one of the top running back prospects in the country, joins the team this year with high expectations. His blend of speed, vision, and acceleration makes him a potentially lethal weapon in the Crimson Tide’s offense. If Haynes can make an impression during A-Day, he could challenge for playing time sooner rather than later.
Fans should expect to see a good amount of running back rotation during the game, with each player given an opportunity to showcase their skills. The competition for playing time will be fierce, and A-Day will be an essential first step in determining who will become Alabama’s next star in the backfield.
3. The Defensive Front Seven: Who Will Step Up to Replace Will Anderson Jr.?
The loss of Will Anderson Jr., arguably one of the best defensive players in college football history, leaves a massive void on Alabama’s defense. Anderson’s relentless pass-rushing ability, combined with his leadership and football IQ, made him a game-changer for the Crimson Tide. However, as has been the case throughout Saban’s tenure, Alabama’s defense reloads rather than rebuilds. A-Day will provide an early look at how the team plans to fill Anderson’s shoes and who will step up to become the new face of the front seven.
The pass rush will be one of the most scrutinized areas during the A-Day game. Dallas Turner, Anderson’s former running mate, is poised to take on a bigger role in 2025. Turner has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and he’ll need to elevate his game as the primary pass rusher for Alabama. A-Day will give fans a chance to see Turner’s development, as he’ll be expected to become a focal point of the defense.
Alongside Turner, Alabama will also be looking to fill the void at linebacker. The Crimson Tide will rely on players like Jaylen Key and Deontae Lawson to step up as leaders in the middle of the defense. These linebackers will play a pivotal role in both stopping the run and creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Another player to watch is sophomore edge rusher Jihaad Campbell, who has earned rave reviews during the offseason. Campbell’s size, speed, and explosiveness could make him an essential part of Alabama’s defense in 2025, and A-Day could be his chance to showcase his potential to fans and coaches alike.
4. The Wide Receiver Corps: Who Will Become the Go-To Target?
Wide receiver remains an area of both excitement and uncertainty for Alabama as the team prepares for the 2025 season. With the departure of star receiver Jermaine Burton, there is an opening for someone to step up and become the go-to target in the passing game. A-Day will offer fans a glimpse into which wide receivers are ready to fill that role and provide quarterback(s) with reliable options on the outside.
The most notable name in this group is sophomore Isaiah Bond, who showed flashes of brilliance last season. Bond has the speed and playmaking ability to become a game-changer for Alabama, and the A-Day game will be his opportunity to prove that he can be trusted to produce at a high level in 2025.
Additionally, Alabama fans will get a look at incoming freshman Malik Benson, a highly rated recruit who brings a dynamic skill set to the table. Benson’s ability to stretch the field with his speed and route running could make him a key contributor early in the season, and A-Day will give fans their first chance to see what he can do in live action.
A Glimpse into the Future
Alabama’s A-Day game provides fans with an exclusive sneak peek into the future of the Crimson Tide program. From the quarterback battle to the development of the defense, there’s no shortage of exciting storylines to follow this spring. As always, it’s important to remember that the A-Day game is a scrimmage—an exhibition of sorts—but it offers a valuable opportunity to see where the team is at heading into the summer months.
For Alabama football fans, A-Day 2025 promises to be another thrilling chapter in the program’s storied history. Whether it’s the quarterback competition, the running back depth chart, the evolving defensive front, or the wide receiver corps, there’s something for everyone to keep an eye on. With so much talent across the board, one thing is clear: Alabama football’s future is in good hands.
