Athlon Sports and Lindy’s Predict Alabama Football’s Starting Lineup After Fierce 2025 Position Battles and Rising Star Power
The Alabama Crimson Tide have always been known for depth, talent, and fierce internal competition, but the 2025 season brings a whole new level of intrigue following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban and the arrival of Kalen DeBoer. With a refreshed staff, new schemes, and a roster stacked with blue-chip recruits and returning veterans, fans are eager to know who will take the field as starters in one of college football’s most scrutinized programs. Athlon Sports and Lindy’s have both weighed in with their preseason insights, and the projections offer a compelling look into who may emerge victorious in Alabama’s high-stakes position battles.
At quarterback, the battle has arguably garnered the most national attention. Jalen Milroe returns as the incumbent starter after showing flashes of brilliance in 2024, leading Alabama to the College Football Playoff. However, redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan and five-star early enrollee Julian Sayin have drawn rave reviews throughout spring and summer practices. Athlon Sports believes Milroe will maintain his grip on the starting job due to his explosiveness and improved decision-making under DeBoer’s offensive system, which emphasizes vertical passing and quick reads. Lindy’s echoes this sentiment, noting that Milroe’s leadership and game experience give him the edge — though they caution Sayin is too talented to stay on the sidelines all year.
In the backfield, the Crimson Tide boast a stable of elite running backs, but the top spot is projected to go to sophomore Justice Haynes. Both Athlon and Lindy’s predict Haynes will be the feature back after an impressive freshman season where he averaged over six yards per carry. Jam Miller and Richard Young are expected to rotate in frequently, especially in third-down and short-yardage scenarios. Haynes’ ability to catch passes out of the backfield also gives him an edge in DeBoer’s system, which is known for incorporating running backs in the passing game.
At wide receiver, Alabama fans can expect fireworks. Athlon and Lindy’s agree that junior Isaiah Bond will step into the WR1 role following the departure of Jermaine Burton. Bond, known for his blazing speed and precise route running, had a breakout sophomore season and has built strong chemistry with Milroe. Sophomore Jalen Hale and Georgia transfer Arian Smith are projected to round out the starting trio, with Smith’s speed and big-play ability making him an immediate deep threat. Freshmen Ryan Williams and Amari Jefferson have turned heads in practice, and both publications predict they’ll see playing time early, particularly in four-receiver sets.
At tight end, the position looks strong with CJ Dippre returning for a second year. Both Athlon and Lindy’s believe he will be the starter due to his blocking ability and improved hands. The publications note that freshman Caleb Odom has incredible upside and could see significant reps, especially in two-tight end packages.
The offensive line is where things get interesting. Alabama lost key starters to the NFL, but the talent pool remains deep. According to Athlon Sports, the left tackle position is likely to be filled by Kadyn Proctor, who returns after a brief transfer to Iowa. His elite size and footwork make him a natural fit to protect the blindside. At left guard, redshirt sophomore Jaeden Roberts is expected to start, with Seth McLaughlin manning the center. Right guard will likely go to Terrence Ferguson, and the right tackle job is predicted to be a battle between Elijah Pritchett and true freshman Casey Poe. Lindy’s predicts Pritchett will earn the job but notes Poe could push for the spot if he adapts quickly to college speed and physicality.
Defensively, the Tide are stacked, and both publications praise new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack for blending Pete Golding’s aggressiveness with his own multiple-look style. At defensive end, Athlon gives the starting nod to Tim Keenan III, who has reshaped his body and improved explosiveness. On the opposite end, they list sophomore James Smith, a rising star who has turned into a terror in spring scrimmages. Lindy’s concurs but notes that redshirt freshman Yhonzae Pierre has been one of the biggest surprises of camp.
In the middle, the defensive tackle spot is set to be anchored by veteran Jaheim Oatis. Both magazines view him as a potential All-SEC selection, citing his improved conditioning and gap-discipline. The nose tackle rotation will also include Jordan Renaud and Khurtiss Perry, but Oatis is clearly the centerpiece.
At linebacker, the Tide have one of the most experienced and versatile groups in the country. Deontae Lawson is the heart of the unit, and both Athlon and Lindy’s expect him to flourish in Wommack’s scheme. Opposite Lawson, the weakside linebacker spot is projected to go to Jihaad Campbell, who impressed last season with his sideline-to-sideline speed and hard-hitting style. The JACK linebacker role, essentially an edge hybrid, is expected to be filled by Keon Keeley, the top-rated signee from the 2023 class, who has bulked up and impressed during spring reps. Jeremiah Alexander and Qua Russaw provide depth and will be rotated to keep the pressure fresh on opposing quarterbacks.
In the secondary, Alabama’s defense remains among the most athletic in the nation. The cornerback battle is intense, but both Athlon and Lindy’s list USC transfer Domani Jackson as one of the starting corners. His experience and size give him an edge, while the other spot is expected to go to redshirt sophomore Trey Amos. Freshman Zabien Brown has been outstanding in camp, and while he may not start Week 1, both outlets believe he’ll earn significant snaps quickly. At the Star position (nickel corner), Earl Little II is projected to start, with his agility and awareness making him an ideal fit.
At safety, the duo of Malachi Moore and Caleb Downs is among the best in the country. Moore, a veteran leader, provides experience and leadership, while Downs is a budding All-American who continues to impress with his instincts and range. Both Athlon and Lindy’s agree this tandem could be the best safety duo Alabama has had in years — which is saying a lot considering the program’s history.
Special teams often go overlooked, but not in Tuscaloosa. At kicker, Will Reichard is gone, leaving a major void. Conor Talty is expected to step in, and while he lacks Reichard’s polish, he’s been consistent in practices. The punter spot remains open between redshirt sophomore James Burnip and freshman Landon Snow. Both publications list Burnip as the likely starter due to experience. At returner, Ryan Williams is expected to take on kickoff duties, while Isaiah Bond will handle punt returns, giving Alabama explosive options in the return game.
In summary, both Athlon Sports and Lindy’s paint a picture of a team that may look different in some spots but retains its elite potential across the board. While Kalen DeBoer brings new energy and schemes, Alabama’s trademark physicality, speed, and talent depth remain. The publication predictions not only highlight returning veterans like Milroe, Moore, and Oatis but also elevate emerging names such as Julian Sayin, Keon Keeley, and Ryan Williams. The fusion of experience and youth, combined with coaching innovation, sets the stage for what could be another championship-caliber run for Alabama.
As fall camp approaches, position battles will only intensify. Injuries, development, and late surges will play a role in shaping the final depth chart. But if Athlon and Lindy’s projections hold true, Alabama fans can rest easy knowing that the next wave of stars is ready to uphold the Tide’s proud tradition.
