Can Alabama Finally Restore Its Dominant Offensive Line Identity in 2025 and Reclaim the Physical Edge That Built a Dynasty?
The summer of 2025 has become a critical proving ground for Alabama football. The Crimson Tide are chasing both clarity and stability, particularly in one area that was once the unquestioned foundation of their identity—the offensive line. Once known for producing NFL-ready trench warriors year after year, Alabama has faced inconsistency up front over the past two seasons, and it cost them dearly in tight games. Now, with a new season approaching and a revamped roster in place, the pressing question remains: can Alabama finally find lasting stability on the offensive line?
The answer may very well define whether Alabama returns to national prominence or falls short in a cutthroat SEC landscape. New head coach Kalen DeBoer has emphasized physicality and cohesion since the end of spring practice. For Alabama, it’s not just about building a line that can hold its own—it’s about reclaiming the dominance that once made them the most feared program in college football.
The summer training cycle has taken on outsized importance. Offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, retained by DeBoer for continuity, has been handed the challenge of developing a new-look line that blends returning experience with fresh talent from both the high school ranks and the transfer portal. All eyes are on whether this unit can gel in time for Alabama’s season opener against Wisconsin, a physical Big Ten team known for its toughness up front.
The headliner of the group is Kam Dewberry, the Texas A&M transfer who has already begun to make his mark in workouts. At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Dewberry brings both power and polish. His presence has changed the tone in practice, offering a physical and mental edge that the unit sorely lacked last year. Dewberry is expected to start at either left or right guard, depending on how the rest of the line shakes out, and his leadership has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Joining Dewberry in the trenches are returners like Wilkin Formby and Kadyn Proctor. Formby, a redshirt sophomore, has made strides this offseason and is pushing for a starting tackle spot. Proctor, the massive lineman who originally transferred to Iowa before returning to Alabama, has rededicated himself and looks more focused than ever. His raw power has never been in question, but his technique and consistency will be crucial to Alabama’s success.
Also in the mix is James Brockermeyer, a veteran interior lineman who can play both center and guard. He’s fighting to win the starting center job, though redshirt freshman Parker Brailsford, who followed DeBoer from Washington, is giving him stiff competition. The center battle will be one of the most closely watched position groups heading into fall camp. Whichever player wins the job must be both physically dominant and mentally sharp, as Alabama’s offense relies on pre-snap adjustments and strong communication.
The right tackle position remains the biggest question mark. Several players, including Elijah Pritchett and true freshman Casey Poe, are rotating in. Pritchett, a junior with starting experience, has the physical tools but has struggled with consistency in the past. Poe, meanwhile, has turned heads during summer workouts with his maturity and athleticism. It would be rare for a true freshman to start at right tackle in the SEC, but Poe could be the exception if he continues to impress.
The left tackle spot seems more stable, with Formby the current favorite. His footwork and length give him an advantage in pass protection, and he’s taken big steps forward in run blocking since the spring. Still, the position isn’t locked in. Kapilovic and DeBoer have made it clear that every job is open, and the rotation will continue deep into August.
Alabama’s offensive success this season hinges on this unit’s ability to come together—not just physically, but as a cohesive group. Last year, the Tide allowed far too many pressures and were inconsistent in short-yardage situations. Drives were frequently derailed by penalties or missed assignments, and that simply can’t happen in 2025 if Alabama hopes to compete with Georgia, Texas, and Michigan at the national level.
That’s why the summer months have become so critical. Beyond the lifting sessions and walkthroughs, players are spending time together off the field, building chemistry and trust. Dewberry has taken on the role of mentor, holding extra film sessions and working with younger players on technique. He’s become the emotional leader of the group—a role once held by Alabama greats like Barrett Jones and Ryan Kelly.
There’s also an increased focus on nutrition and conditioning. Alabama’s strength staff has put a premium on endurance, knowing the fast-paced offense DeBoer wants to run demands a line that can move quickly while staying powerful. The players have bought in, and it’s shown in improved testing numbers and greater consistency in workouts.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has simplified some aspects of the scheme to reduce hesitation and increase execution speed. The hope is that fewer mental errors will lead to fewer negative plays. In a league where games are often decided by inches, those corrections can make all the difference.
In the run game, Alabama will rely heavily on Jam Miller and Justice Haynes, two explosive backs who need only a crease to break big plays. For this duo to thrive, the line must generate push at the point of attack—something that was missing too often last season. Dewberry and Proctor, in particular, will be critical in setting the tone early and often.
Pass protection is equally vital, especially given the uncertainty at quarterback. The competition remains open between Austin Mack, Dylan Lonergan, and true freshman Keelon Russell. All three are talented, but none have taken meaningful college snaps. That puts pressure on the offensive line to provide a clean pocket and buy time for receivers to get open.
Summer 7-on-7s and scrimmages have shown glimpses of promise. The line is communicating better, adjusting protections more effectively, and picking up blitzes with greater consistency. Mistakes still happen, but the rate of improvement has been noticeable. Coaches believe this group has the potential to be one of the most improved units in the country.
Depth will be tested throughout the season, so Alabama is developing its second-team line aggressively. Players like TJ Ferguson, Terrence Ferguson II, and Miles McVay are rotating in with the starters and gaining valuable experience. Injuries are inevitable in the SEC, and Alabama is making sure it won’t be caught off guard.
While it’s too early to declare the offensive line “fixed,” there is a growing sense of optimism in Tuscaloosa. The talent is there. The leadership is emerging. The coaching staff has a clear vision. What remains is execution—and that will be tested soon enough.
Alabama’s path to a championship starts in the trenches. It always has. From the days of Saban’s title runs to this new era under DeBoer, dominance at the line of scrimmage has been the constant. In 2025, with Kam Dewberry leading the charge, Alabama hopes to restore that legacy and forge a new path to greatness.
The summer report tells a story of progress, hunger, and cautious belief. The Crimson Tide may not be a finished product yet, but they are no longer uncertain about who they want to be. Whether that translates into wins will depend largely on whether this offensive line can turn potential into power, and instability into dominance.
