The Alabama Crimson Tide is at a turning point as the replacement for Kadyn Proctor is revealed and Jalen Milroe’s successor is still a mystery.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is no stranger to transition. In a program defined by dynastic excellence, turnover is both expected and embraced. But this spring feels different. As Alabama unveils its replacement for departed offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, questions loom even larger at quarterback, where the heir to Jalen Milroe remains undecided. For the first time in years, Alabama fans face a crossroads: Can the Crimson Tide maintain their championship standard amid monumental change?

Replacing a Giant: The Proctor Puzzle

Kadyn Proctor’s brief but eventful Alabama tenure ended with drama. After initially transferring to Iowa in a move that shocked the college football world, Proctor reversed course and re-entered the transfer portal to return to Tuscaloosa. Ultimately, his decision to leave again for good left a gaping hole on the offensive line—one Alabama had little time to fill.

Now, that hole appears to have a plug.

Emerging from spring camp, Elijah Pritchett has taken command at left tackle, earning first-team reps and drawing praise from coaches and teammates alike. A former five-star prospect, Pritchett has the pedigree but lacked the opportunity—until now.

“Elijah’s made a massive leap in both physicality and confidence,” offensive line coach Eric Wolford said during a recent media availability. “He’s not Kadyn, and we’re not asking him to be. But he’s ready to anchor this line.”

That sentiment is echoed by senior center Seth McLaughlin.

“We’ve all seen it coming,” McLaughlin said. “Proctor leaving gave Elijah the stage, and he’s owned it.”

Pritchett’s rise is more than a feel-good story—it’s a necessity. The left tackle protects the blind side of whoever takes the reins at quarterback. With the quarterback situation still unsettled, a stable front five becomes even more crucial.

A Murky Picture at Quarterback

Jalen Milroe’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft marked the end of an era defined by explosive plays, breathtaking runs, and big-game moxie. While he wasn’t always consistent, Milroe’s presence gave Alabama an identity. Without him, the position is now a canvas of uncertainty.

Three names dominate the conversation: Ty Simpson, Julian Sayin, and Austin Mack.

Simpson, entering his third year in the program, has the experience edge. He’s played in pressure-packed moments and understands the playbook inside and out. But questions about his decision-making and accuracy persist.

Sayin, a true freshman and one of the most celebrated quarterback recruits in recent memory, is the wildcard. He possesses elite mechanics, vision, and poise, but it remains to be seen whether he’s ready to lead a team with national championship expectations.

And then there’s Mack, the Oregon State transfer who arrived in Tuscaloosa to little fanfare but has quietly impressed.

“Austin’s got a veteran calm about him,” said offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. “He’s not flashy, but he does everything right. Don’t sleep on him.”

Still, no starter has been named, and spring ball has only intensified the competition. All three have taken reps with the first-team offense, and none have clearly separated from the pack.

The New Offensive Identity Under Kalen DeBoer

Complicating matters is the arrival of new head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who bring with them a fresh scheme and different expectations. Known for a high-powered, quarterback-friendly offense at Washington, DeBoer must now mold Alabama’s raw talent into something cohesive.

“I don’t want to compare what we’re building to what came before us,” DeBoer said. “This is a new chapter. We have different strengths, different players, and a different approach.”

One key piece of that approach? Versatility.

The Crimson Tide’s offense this spring has featured multiple tight end sets, spread looks, and an emphasis on motion—designed to make life easier for an inexperienced quarterback. That’s welcome news for Simpson, Sayin, or Mack.

“The scheme puts guys in position to win matchups,” junior wide receiver Kobe Prentice said. “It’s about spacing, timing, and rhythm. Once we find that rhythm, it’ll be scary.”

But rhythm starts with a quarterback who can operate under pressure—and Alabama is still searching.

Leadership Void and Culture Reset

It’s not just about talent or schemes. Alabama is in the middle of a leadership reset. With Milroe, Proctor, Dallas Turner, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Terrion Arnold all gone to the NFL, the locker room is searching for new vocal leaders.

Defensive lineman Tim Keenan III put it bluntly after a recent practice.

“Last year we didn’t meet our standard,” Keenan said. “We played flat. We weren’t locked in every week. That changes now.”

Keenan’s comments echoed across the locker room, serving as a rallying cry for accountability. Linebacker Deontae Lawson, one of the few returning veterans, has stepped into a more vocal role, particularly as the defense attempts to establish its identity under new coordinator Kane Wommack.

“There’s no more Nick Saban. It’s up to us now,” Lawson said. “We either lead ourselves, or we fall off.”

That self-awareness has been refreshing for coaches and fans. Alabama knows the stakes. The dynasty isn’t guaranteed—it has to be earned.

The Recruiting Machine Keeps Rolling

One reason for optimism is Alabama’s still-dominant recruiting pipeline. Despite coaching changes and player departures, the Crimson Tide continue to land elite talent.

Julian Sayin and freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams highlight a recruiting class ranked among the best in the country. And early reports from spring practices indicate the newcomers are already pushing veterans.

“These young guys came in with fire,” senior safety Malachi Moore said. “They’re not waiting their turn. They’re coming for it.”

That internal competition is healthy. It ensures no one gets complacent—especially with jobs up for grabs.

And don’t count out more help from the portal. With another transfer window opening after spring, DeBoer and his staff could look to add depth at key positions, especially quarterback or defensive back.

The Schedule Doesn’t Wait

Alabama doesn’t have time to figure things out slowly. The 2025 schedule is unforgiving, featuring marquee matchups with Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Auburn. Even early non-conference games carry weight, particularly with a new-look playoff format favoring strength of schedule.

“You better hit the ground running,” said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy. “There’s no grace period anymore, especially in this new SEC. Every game is a playoff game.”

That pressure is both a blessing and a curse. It will force Alabama to crystallize its identity quickly—or face the consequences.

Special Teams and Defense: Reliable Pillars?

While offense dominates the headlines, the defense and special teams may be Alabama’s most consistent units.

Punter James Burnip returns as one of the nation’s best, and kicker Will Reichard’s departure is mitigated by the arrival of true freshman phenom Graham Nicholson, who won the Lou Groza Award at Miami (Ohio) and transferred to Alabama in January.

On defense, the secondary is young but talented, and the linebacker core—led by Lawson—could be elite. The defensive line rotation is deeper than last year, with Tim Smith and Keenan anchoring the middle.

“We’re not just trying to survive,” Wommack said. “We’re trying to dominate.”

That’s the mindset Alabama hopes becomes contagious.

What’s Next: A-Day Will Provide Clarity

All eyes will be on Bryant-Denny Stadium later this month when Alabama hosts its annual A-Day spring game. Traditionally a glorified scrimmage, this year’s event carries weight. Fans want to see who rises at quarterback, how the offensive line gels, and which young stars flash.

Will it be Sayin dazzling with pinpoint throws? Simpson making good on his long-awaited breakout? Or Mack showing he’s more than a placeholder?

And will Elijah Pritchett hold his own against Alabama’s elite pass rushers?

These are the questions that will define not just the spring but the entire 2025 season.

 A Program in Transition, Not Decline

There’s a temptation to see change and assume decline. But Alabama doesn’t rebuild—it reloads. The departure of Saban, Proctor, and Milroe marks the end of an era, but not the end of the Tide’s relevance.

In fact, the uncertainty might be what makes this season so compelling.

For the first time in over a decade, Alabama enters the season without a predetermined script. That unknown brings pressure—but it also brings possibility. Whether it’s Simpson, Sayin, or Mack under center, and whether Pritchett or another lineman anchors the left side, one thing is certain:

The Crimson Tide is turning the page.

And the rest of college football should be watching closely.