Post-Spring Depth Chart Projection for 2025 Alabama Football Reveals New Faces, Veteran Leaders, and Emerging Stars Across the Roster

With spring practice officially in the rearview mirror, the 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide football team finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama looks to reassert itself as a national title contender following a transition year that ended short of the College Football Playoff. The spring period provided a first real glimpse at how DeBoer’s system is beginning to mesh with Alabama’s historically deep and talented roster. Although there is still a long summer ahead filled with conditioning, player development, and potential movement through the transfer portal, a post-spring depth chart projection allows us to assess who has emerged, who is poised to take on larger roles, and where questions remain heading into the 2025 season.

At quarterback, all eyes remain on Jalen Milroe, who enters the fall as the unquestioned starter after a solid 2024 campaign and a commanding spring performance. Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities continue to be the backbone of Alabama’s offense. The redshirt senior has grown significantly as a passer under DeBoer’s tutelage, showing improved decision-making and accuracy in the pocket. Behind him, redshirt freshman Austin Mack made strides this spring and appears to be ahead of Dylan Lonergan for the backup role. Mack, with a big arm and poise beyond his years, has the tools to be Alabama’s future at the position. True freshman Keelon Russell, an early enrollee, showed flashes in limited reps but is expected to redshirt in 2025.

The running back room, long a position of strength in Tuscaloosa, has undergone a bit of turnover. With Roydell Williams off to the NFL and Jase McClellan dealing with injuries, sophomore Justice Haynes has taken over the top spot. Haynes is explosive, shifty, and reliable as both a runner and a pass-catcher, and he looks ready to carry the load. Jam Miller is a powerful change-of-pace back who provides a bruising presence between the tackles. Richard Young, now in his second year, is beginning to find his footing and could be a breakout candidate. Freshman Kevin Riley, a top-100 recruit, impressed coaches this spring and will compete for rotational carries.

Alabama’s wide receiver corps has the potential to return to elite form with a strong mix of speed, experience, and high-upside youth. Isaiah Bond has developed into the Tide’s No. 1 receiver, showcasing his route-running polish and deep-threat capability. Kobe Prentice continues to be a reliable option in the slot, and sophomore Jalen Hale is ascending rapidly, drawing comparisons to past Alabama greats with his size, athleticism, and body control. Texas transfer Johntay Cook II adds another layer of explosiveness, while true freshman Ryan Williams, who enrolled early, looks like a star in the making. Williams dazzled throughout spring camp and could push for significant playing time from day one. The depth behind them is strong, with Kendrick Law and Emmanuel Henderson also seeing second-team reps.

At tight end, Danny Lewis Jr. has emerged as a potential starter after showing growth in both blocking and route running this spring. He is backed up by Amari Niblack, who offers a more vertical, hybrid option. North Texas transfer Var’Keyes Gumms brings experience and physicality to the room and will be used in multiple tight-end sets. Freshman Caleb Odom has a unique skill set at 6-foot-5 and is already creating mismatches in scrimmage situations.

The offensive line is a work in progress but appears to be gelling at the right time. Kadyn Proctor, who returned to Alabama after a brief stint in the portal, anchors the left tackle spot. The sophomore is a future first-round pick and showed improved technique and footwork this spring. At left guard, Tyler Booker remains a force, offering veteran leadership and nastiness in the run game. James Brockermeyer has taken over at center, providing intelligence and consistency in his snaps. True sophomore Wilkin Formby is slotted in at right guard after an impressive spring, and Elijah Pritchett is holding down the right tackle spot. The second-team line includes the likes of Jaeden Roberts, Miles McVay, and true freshman Casey Poe, all of whom are capable of contributing if injuries strike.

Defensively, the front seven appears retooled and potentially dominant. The defensive line features Tim Keenan III at nose tackle, who has slimmed down and is more explosive than ever. He is flanked by Jah-Marien Latham and James Smith, both of whom are entering their junior years with added strength and technique refinement. Smith in particular was a standout this spring, drawing praise for his ability to disrupt from the interior. Behind them, LT Overton and Monkel Goodwine provide valuable depth and rotational ability. The Tide’s young defensive linemen, including freshman Zion Grady, have flashed potential but are still raw.

At linebacker, the inside duo of Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell returns, bringing elite speed, sideline-to-sideline range, and playmaking ability. Lawson has become the vocal leader of the defense, while Campbell continues to impress with his instincts and explosiveness. Keon Keeley and Qua Russaw headline the outside linebacker group. Keeley, now in his second year, is on the verge of a breakout, demonstrating a refined pass rush and improved coverage ability. Russaw is another high-motor edge presence who will rotate heavily. Shawn Murphy, Jeremiah Alexander, and redshirt freshman Justin Jefferson round out a deep and versatile linebacker corps.

In the secondary, Alabama has a mix of battle-tested veterans and rising stars. At cornerback, sophomore Desmond Ricks has solidified one starting spot with a stellar spring that saw him consistently lock down opposing receivers. The other corner is a tight race between Trey Amos and Earl Little Jr., with Amos slightly ahead coming out of spring. Both bring experience and a physical style of play. The nickel corner, or STAR position, appears to be manned by redshirt freshman Jaylen Mbakwe, who showed great instincts and ball skills during scrimmages. Freshman Zabien Brown is also pushing for playing time and may factor in the dime package.

The safety positions are in good hands. Malachi Moore returns for his final season and brings invaluable leadership, communication, and versatility to the back end. He will be paired with redshirt junior Jake Pope, who took a big leap forward this spring and earned praise from the coaching staff for his physicality and range. Caleb Downs’ early departure to the NFL left a massive void, but Pope is proving ready to step up. Freshman Peyton Woodyard and transfer Kamari Ramsey are quality backups who will see action.

On special teams, Alabama remains strong. Kicker Will Reichard’s departure leaves the job open, and redshirt freshman Conor Talty currently leads the competition after showing consistency from mid-range during spring practices. At punter, James Burnip is back for another season, providing dependable leg strength and hang time. The return game will be led by Kendrick Law and Ryan Williams, both of whom have the speed and vision to flip field position in an instant.

From top to bottom, this Alabama team has the right blend of experience and youth to make a serious run in the SEC and beyond. The quarterback position is stable, the offensive weapons are dynamic, and the defense appears faster and more aggressive under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. There are still a few position battles to monitor heading into fall camp—particularly in the secondary and along the offensive line—but the Tide’s depth and development throughout spring bode well for the program’s immediate future.

The 2025 campaign will be a proving ground for DeBoer’s vision of Alabama football. Expectations remain sky-high in Tuscaloosa, and anything short of an SEC Championship appearance will be considered a disappointment. The spring has set the foundation. Now, the real journey begins.