Greg McElroy Boldly Predicts a Massive 2025 Defensive Breakout for Alabama Football Under New Coordinators and Talented Returning Stars

Alabama’s 2024 season ended with more questions than answers, particularly on defense, where inconsistency, missed assignments, and an underwhelming pass rush became troubling hallmarks of a unit that’s long been the cornerstone of Crimson Tide dominance. But if former Alabama quarterback turned ESPN analyst Greg McElroy is to be believed, that won’t be the case in 2025. In fact, McElroy is bullish—very bullish—on what’s in store for the Tide’s defense under new leadership and with a renewed focus on player development and accountability.

Appearing on his podcast and across multiple media appearances this spring, McElroy made it clear that he expects the Crimson Tide defense to not only bounce back but reestablish itself as one of the nation’s elite. His comments come amid an offseason of transition in Tuscaloosa, with Kalen DeBoer stepping into the legendary shoes left behind by Nick Saban and assembling a coaching staff that blends innovation with a deep understanding of Alabama’s defensive identity.

“The talent on that side of the ball is off the charts,” McElroy said. “And I think with the right scheme and some maturity, they’re going to remind people what Alabama defense is supposed to look like.”

McElroy’s optimism isn’t without basis. For starters, Alabama returns a bevy of talented defenders, many of whom flashed greatness in spurts during the 2024 campaign. Linebacker Deontae Lawson anchors the middle of the field and brings invaluable leadership to the huddle. Edge rusher Keon Keeley, now entering his sophomore season, showed signs of being the next elite pass rusher to wear crimson. And the secondary—featuring names like Domani Jackson and rising sophomore Jahlil Hurley—has the physical tools to blanket even the best receiving corps in the country.

But raw talent is only part of the equation. McElroy is particularly excited about the impact of Kane Wommack, who takes over as defensive coordinator. Wommack arrives after head coaching stints at South Alabama and previous DC work at Indiana, where he gained a reputation as a sharp schemer and motivator. His defenses are known for being aggressive, gap-sound, and difficult to prepare for—an ideal fit for a program looking to recapture its edge.

Wommack’s system is predicated on multiplicity and disguise. While Alabama operated primarily out of a base 3-4 during much of Saban’s tenure, Wommack brings a hybrid 4-2-5 scheme that places a premium on speed and versatility. McElroy believes this shift will benefit Alabama’s current roster.

“There are guys on this roster—especially up front and in the back seven—who were recruited for their twitch and explosiveness,” McElroy noted. “Wommack is going to unleash them. It’s going to look different, and that’s a good thing.”

One player that McElroy and others are watching closely is James Smith, the former five-star defensive tackle who is poised for a breakout season. Smith battled through injuries and limited snaps last year, but the early buzz out of spring camp suggests he’s turned a corner. His combination of size, leverage, and quickness could make him a disruptive force in the interior, especially in a scheme that favors attacking gaps rather than occupying blockers.

The same goes for edge players like Keeley and Quandarrius Robinson, who are expected to thrive in one-on-one situations as Wommack dials up pressure from multiple levels. The loss of Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell to the NFL was significant, but McElroy believes the rotation of young talent behind them is more than capable of filling that void—especially in a scheme designed to maximize their strengths.

Alabama’s linebacker unit also figures to be a major strength. Lawson returns as the quarterback of the defense, and the staff is reportedly thrilled with the development of Jihaad Campbell and Kendrick Blackshire, both of whom bring sideline-to-sideline speed and a thumper’s mentality. Add in early enrollee Justin Okoronkwo, who turned heads with his football IQ and physicality during spring practices, and the Tide’s second level appears loaded with potential.

In the secondary, Alabama will benefit from continuity and experience. Domani Jackson, the USC transfer and former five-star recruit, gives the Tide a lockdown presence on the outside. Meanwhile, Caleb Downs’ departure to Ohio State was a major blow, but there’s quiet confidence in the safety duo of Devonta Smith (not to be confused with the NFL wide receiver) and true sophomore Tony Mitchell, who showed flashes of elite coverage instincts late last season.

McElroy pointed to Mitchell’s performance against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game—where he registered a key third-down stop and nearly came down with a diving interception—as proof that the future is bright in the back end.

“Those guys aren’t just talented—they’re starting to get it,” McElroy emphasized. “And when Alabama defenders ‘get it,’ that’s when the game slows down and they become dangerous.”

Of course, all of this hinges on more than just individual development. Alabama’s biggest Achilles’ heel in 2024 wasn’t talent—it was communication. Too often, defenders looked confused pre-snap, failed to adjust to motion, and allowed explosive plays over the top. Fixing that, according to McElroy, is as much about coaching chemistry and clarity as it is about player execution.

That’s why Wommack’s hiring is so critical. Known for his detailed approach and emphasis on fundamentals, Wommack has already begun reshaping the defensive culture. Reports from inside the program describe a more streamlined playbook, fewer blown assignments, and an emphasis on teaching rather than just scheme installation.

“Guys are thinking less and reacting more,” one anonymous Alabama staffer reportedly told McElroy. “That’s the biggest change—defenders aren’t playing scared. They’re playing fast.”

It also helps that the offense, under DeBoer and new quarterback Jalen Milroe, is expected to be one of the most explosive in the country. With an improved offensive line, an NFL-ready receiving corps, and a scheme designed to stress defenses horizontally and vertically, Alabama may not need to rely on its defense quite as much as in previous years. But McElroy sees that as an advantage, not a crutch.

“If anything, that gives the defense time to gel,” he said. “When your offense is putting up 35 points a game, you can be more aggressive on defense. You can take chances.”

That aggressive mindset could be the key to Alabama rediscovering the defensive swagger that defined its championship teams. Saban’s units were renowned for not only shutting teams down but dictating terms—bullying opposing offensive lines, confusing quarterbacks, and imposing their will for four quarters.

McElroy doesn’t expect the 2025 defense to be perfect right out of the gate. There will be growing pains, especially with a new staff and evolving scheme. But he firmly believes that by midseason, fans will see a defense that plays with confidence, cohesion, and controlled violence—the hallmarks of Alabama at its best.

And the schedule sets up well for growth. Early matchups against non-conference foes and a manageable opening stretch in the SEC give the Crimson Tide time to gel before pivotal showdowns with LSU, Tennessee, and Georgia. If the defense progresses the way McElroy predicts, those games could serve as the national coming-out party for a revitalized unit.

“Don’t be surprised if Alabama leads the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss by season’s end,” McElroy said. “That’s how good this front seven can be.”

It’s a bold prediction, especially given the transition period Alabama is undergoing. But for McElroy, who’s watched countless Alabama teams up close and played under the weight of championship expectations, the pieces are in place for a special season.

“People are sleeping on the defense because they don’t recognize all the names yet,” he said. “But by November, they’ll know every single one of them.”

If that comes to fruition, it’ll be yet another reminder that while eras may change and coaches may come and go, Alabama’s defensive tradition remains deeply embedded in the program’s DNA. And under the guidance of Wommack, with buy-in from a hungry and talented roster, Greg McElroy believes 2025 could be the year that tradition reclaims center stage.