One Specific Area Alabama’s Defense Must Improve to Become a True National Title Contender in the 2025 College Football Season

Alabama’s rich tradition on the gridiron is built on championship pedigree, discipline, and a smothering defense that historically defines its identity. Under the leadership of head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over after the legendary Nick Saban retired, the Crimson Tide are entering a new era. Expectations remain sky-high in Tuscaloosa, and for Alabama to return to the College Football Playoff and capture another national title in 2025, there is one glaring area on defense that experts say must be urgently addressed: the secondary.

While Alabama remains loaded with talent across the board, and while recruiting under Saban ensured a steady pipeline of elite prospects, the Tide’s 2024 campaign revealed that their defensive backfield was more vulnerable than it has been in recent years. The departure of several veteran defensive backs to the NFL, coupled with growing pains among younger players, created a noticeable drop-off in coverage reliability. If DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack want to bring a national championship back to Bryant-Denny Stadium, it begins with fixing the back end of the defense.

The issue isn’t necessarily a lack of talent. Alabama consistently signs five-star safeties and cornerbacks. But talent alone doesn’t win titles in today’s college football landscape. Cohesion, communication, technique, and trust are all vital ingredients. And in 2024, Alabama’s defensive backfield was often out of position, late reacting to routes, or giving up big plays in critical moments. Opponents were able to stretch the Tide vertically and exploit mismatches in man coverage—something that almost never happened during the Saban era when Alabama cornerbacks were considered some of the best in the country year in and year out.

The most concerning part of this regression was evident in Alabama’s games against top-tier passing offenses. In the 2024 SEC Championship game, Georgia exposed the Tide’s secondary with a relentless aerial attack. Receivers routinely found holes in zone coverage, and the Tide gave up multiple chunk plays—something uncharacteristic for a unit that prided itself on preventing explosive gains. Then, in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Michigan, Alabama again struggled to contain the Wolverines’ balanced offensive attack. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy picked apart the Tide with precision, exploiting blown assignments and defensive confusion, especially on third down.

Experts argue that this is not a schematic problem but a developmental one. “Alabama’s biggest defensive issue heading into 2025 is the secondary,” said a former SEC defensive coordinator now working as an analyst. “They need leadership and consistent play at safety and corner. That’s what separated Alabama defenses under Saban—their defensive backs were battle-tested, disciplined, and physical. Right now, they’re missing that edge.”

To address this, DeBoer and Wommack have already taken steps. Alabama brought in a pair of experienced defensive backs from the transfer portal, including a former All-Big Ten safety known for his football IQ and tackling ability. These additions are intended to bring stability and experience to a room full of raw, high-upside players. The hope is that this blend of youth and veteran presence can restore Alabama’s reputation as “DBU” and elevate the group to championship caliber.

Returning players like Earl Little Jr. and Devonta Smith (not to be confused with the Heisman-winning wideout) will be counted on to take significant leaps. Both are incredibly athletic and have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has eluded them. Coaches are emphasizing technique during spring practices, particularly footwork, hip flexibility, and eye discipline—all crucial elements in defending against today’s quick-read, RPO-heavy offenses.

Another crucial point of emphasis is tackling. Alabama missed far too many tackles in the open field last season, turning what should have been 8-yard completions into 30-yard gains. Physicality used to be a hallmark of Tide defensive backs, but in recent years, that edge has dulled. Wommack is instilling a more aggressive mentality in the secondary, demanding that players finish plays and punish receivers who cross the middle of the field.

One major advantage Alabama will have in this rebuilding effort is its elite defensive front. With pass rushers like Keon Keeley and James Smith ready to become national names, opposing quarterbacks will be under constant pressure. That should take some heat off the secondary. But unless the defensive backs can consistently cover receivers and eliminate mental errors, pressure alone won’t win games against top-tier teams.

Interestingly, Wommack’s arrival brings a slightly different defensive philosophy than Saban’s. Known for his creativity and hybrid coverages at Indiana and South Alabama, Wommack will deploy more disguise-heavy looks, aiming to confuse quarterbacks pre-snap. This can be highly effective—but only if the defensive backs understand their responsibilities and can execute complex rotations in real time. That means hours of film study, mental reps, and attention to detail on the practice field.

Alabama’s schedule in 2025 will test this unit early. A non-conference showdown against Wisconsin in Week 2 pits them against an offense that thrives on play-action and tight window throws. Then comes the SEC gauntlet: trips to Tennessee, LSU, and a home game versus Georgia. If Alabama is going to survive those matchups—and thrive—it must do a better job limiting explosive plays and winning third downs. The best way to do that is through improved secondary play.

There are positive signs that change is coming. According to sources inside the program, DeBoer and his staff have emphasized building player-to-player accountability within the defensive backfield. Veteran leaders are being encouraged to take younger players under their wing, and the coaching staff is running more “situation-specific” drills to prepare for game-time stress. These aren’t just physical reps—they’re mental ones. Two-minute drills, third-and-longs, and red-zone defense are getting more attention this offseason than in previous years.

There’s also a renewed focus on recruiting players who can make an immediate impact in the secondary. Alabama’s 2025 signing class already includes several top-50 national prospects at corner and safety, including a five-star from Texas who many believe could start as a freshman. But it’s unfair—and unwise—to count on true freshmen to be saviors. The foundation must be laid by the veterans already on campus.

For DeBoer, who is still earning the trust of Alabama’s passionate fanbase, nothing would cement his status faster than restoring the defensive dominance fans grew used to under Saban. That dominance starts in the secondary. The 2025 season could mark a turning point. If Alabama can become elite in coverage again, it has enough firepower on offense and enough strength in the front seven to win the SEC and return to the national title game. If not, the Tide may fall short in the same ways they did last year—close, but not quite there.

Ultimately, Alabama’s ceiling in 2025 may be determined not by its quarterback play or running game, but by how well its defensive backs perform under pressure. A championship defense begins with shutting down the pass in today’s game, and right now, that’s the Crimson Tide’s biggest question mark. DeBoer has the pieces, the experience, and the support to make it happen. But solving this secondary puzzle is the one thing Alabama must do if it wants to finish the season on top of the college football world once again.