There will be some changes made within the Alabama Crimson Tide football program. Both the offense and defense will undergo changes and look different in 2025. Today, I will provide my depth chart projection for Alabama’s offense following the first transfer portal window closing.
Quarterback
1. Ty Simpson – R-Jr. / Keelon Russell – Fr.
2. Austin Mack – R-So
In the past two seasons, Alabama has been led at the quarterback position by Jalen Milroe. He was a dual-threat and made a lot of good plays for the Crimson Tide. However, he made a lot of bad decisions as well. In 2025, Alabama will look to take the next step at the quarterback position.
The top two options to replace Milroe are Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell. I expect the two of them to battle it out through the spring and even into the fall. Austin Mack will serve as the third string quarterback by the time the season starts. As of now, we will keep him at No. 2 with the other two vying for the starting position.
Running back
1. Jam Miller – Sr.
2. Richard Young – R-So. / Dre’lyn Washington – R-Sr.
3. Kevin Riley – R-Fr. / Daniel Hill – So.
4. AK Dear – Fr.
Alabama’s starting running back in 2024 was Jam Miller. The Texas native will return in 2025 and serve as the team’s starting running back. The two running backs that I expect to compliment Miller next season are Richard Young and Louisiana transfer Dre’lyn Washington.
Underclassmen Kevin Riley, Daniel Hill, and AK Dear will be at the bottom half of the depth chart but reliable, talented options nonetheless.
Wide receiver (X)
1. Ryan Williams – So.
2. Jalen Hale – R-Fr.
3. Lotzeir Brooks – Fr.
Alabama will have three promising options at the X receiver spot. Rising sophomore Ryan Williams and redshirt freshman Jalen Hale provide valuable experience and talent at the position. Lotzeir Brooks adds depth and playmaking ability.
Williams had a stellar freshman campaign reeling in 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Meanwhile, Hale missed the entire season due to injury. However, he is expected to be fully healthy by the start of spring practices. As a true freshman, Hale had five receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown.
Brooks comes in as the all-time leader in New Jersey history in career receiving yards (3,355) and touchdowns (51). He could see a role at any of the wide receiver spots given his versatility and playmaking ability.
Wide receiver (Z)
1. Germie Bernard – Sr.
2. Isaiah Horton – R-Jr.
3. Derek Meadows – Fr.
Alabama’s receptions leader from 2024 will be back in 2025. Rising senior Germie Bernard will provide a welcoming presence for the Crimson Tide. He has great intangibles and is a reliable option at the Z spot. As a junior, Bernard had 50 receptions for 794 yards and two touchdowns.
Miami transfer Isaiah Horton will provide valuable depth and experience behind Bernard. Eventually, Horton could transition to a different receiver spot. For now, I have him behind Bernard. In two seasons at Miami, he hauled in 70 receptions for 790 yards and six touchdowns.
Highly-touted freshman Derek Meadows will take his first year to mature and grow in Alabama’s offense.
Wide receiver (H)
1. Rico Scott – R-Fr.
2. Cole Adams – R-So.
3. Bubba Hampton – R-Fr.
The H spot is one that could be up for grabs, but I will give the nod to Rico Scott early on. He showed some promise as a true freshman and has all of the traits to be an elite wide receiver in Alabama’s offense.
Adams is a good backup option for now. He was known as “Mr. Reliable” this season by wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard. The Oklahoma native suffered a season-ending injury during the season that could take a little bit longer to recover. That could hinder him during the spring and into the fall.
Hampton played in three games as a true freshman. He has the potential to play slot receiver or contribute on special teams next season. For now, I have him as the No. 3 option at the H spot.
Tight end (Y)
1. Josh Cuevas – R-Sr.
2. Kaleb Edwards – Fr. / Marshall Pritchett – Fr.
This might be one of the more well-rounded position groups on Alabama’s roster in 2025. The group is headlined by Josh Cuevas. He made some key catches during the 2024 season and will be called on more often in 2025 with starting tight end CJ Dippre heading to the NFL.
Incoming freshmen Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett have a similar frame and skillset. They will see the field a considerable amount in 2025. Pritchett is more of a receiving option whereas Edwards is more of a combination of both.
Tight end (H)
1. Danny Lewis Jr. – R-Jr.
2. Jay Lindsey – R-Fr.
Despite entering the transfer portal, Danny Lewis Jr. chose to withdraw and return to Alabama. I anticipate him playing a role similar to former Alabama tight end and fullback Robbie Ouzts. Lewis Jr. can serve as a blocker, pass catcher, or be used as a motion man.
The backup option will be Jay Lindsey. The Alabama native played sparingly in 2024 but could see an increased role in 2025.
Left tackle
1. Kadyn Proctor – Jr.
2. Arkel Anugwom – R-So. / Jackson Lloyd – Fr.
Alabama will have its starting left tackle from the past two seasons back in 2025. That is Iowa native Kadyn Proctor. He was able to show signs of improvement from his freshman to sophomore season. I expect that to be the case from his sophomore to junior season.
Ball State transfer Arkel Anugwom and true freshman Jackson Lloyd could be promising options to be Proctor’s replacement if he were to suffer an injury. Anugwom has experience and Lloyd has the potential to fill in for Proctor as well.
Left guard
1. Kam Dewberry – Sr. / Michael Carroll – Fr.
2. William Sanders – Fr.
With Alabama losing starting left guard Tyler Booker to the NFL Draft, someone will have to step up in his absence. The top two options in my opinion are Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry and true freshman Michael Carroll.
Dewberry has starting experience in the SEC. He was brought in to compete and push for the starting spot. Carroll was highly-regarded coming out of IMG Academy. He will battle it out with Dewberry.
Alabama native William Sanders will be the backup behind whoever ends up being the second string left guard.
Center
1. Parker Brailsford – R-Jr.
2. Roq Montgomery – R-So. / Joseph Ionata – R-Fr.
There is no questioning the fact that Alabama’s starting center is going to be Parker Brailsford. The former Washington Husky did a phenomenal job at center for the Crimson Tide in 2024. He was a brick wall up front and will serve as one of Alabama’s leaders up front in 2025.
The backup center spot will be between Roq Montgomery and Joseph Ionata. Both are position flexible and can play either guard or center if need be.
Right guard
1. Jaeden Roberts – R-Sr.
2. Geno VanDeMark – R-Sr.
3. Micah DeBose – Fr. / Casey Poe – R-Fr.
In 2024, Alabama rotated Jaeden Roberts and Geno VanDeMark at the right guard spot. That could be the case in 2025. However, I expect Roberts to get the majority of the snaps with VanDeMark serving as his backup.
True freshman Micah DeBose and redshirt freshman Casey Poe will continue to develop and learn the position with hopes of contributing in 2026.
Right Tackle
1. Wilkin Formby – R-So. / Olaus Alinen – R-So.
2. Mal Waldrep – Fr.
With starting right tackle Elijah Pritchett transferring, someone will have to step in at the position in 2025.
Tuscaloosa native Wilkin Formby could have the upper hand given his playing experience. However, I expect him to be battle-tested by Olaus Alinen. One of them will serve as the starter, but that will not be resolved until the fall in all likelihood.
Mal Waldrep will look to grow and develop in his first season in Tuscaloosa.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
