Position battles to watch for Alabama football on defense this spring

Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) is sacked by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman London Simmons (90) during the second quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Alabama football’s defensive players will be competing to get on the field and contribute along the Tide’s defensive front in 2026.

Fortunately for the Crimson Tide, it returns much of its experienced talent to its secondary. A competition to see who starts on Alabama’s backend is not expected. Alabama will likely look for depth options in its secondary to play behind Zabien Brown, Dijon Lee, Keon Sabb, Bray Hubbard and Red Morgan.

All eyes will shift to Alabama’s defensive front this spring. Here is a look at the positions up for grabs on defense ahead of spring football:

Defensive Line

Alabama lost three primary defensive line starters after the 2025 season. LT Overton and Tim Keenan took their talents to the NFL, and James Smith departed from the program to join the Ohio State Buckeyes. Overton started at Bandit, Keenan started at nose tackle and Smith started at defensive tackle. All three positions are now up for grabs.

Edric Hill returns as an intriguing option at defensive tackle alongside USC transfer, Devan Thompkins, and Mississippi State transfer Kedrick Bingley-Jones. London Simmons and Jeremiah Beaman return as early favorites to earn the nod to start at nose tackle. Both have starting experience at the position.

The Tide’s bandit role remains somewhat of a mystery. Everyone who contributed meaningful snaps there in 2025 is no longer with the Crimson Tide, with Overton moving on to the NFL. Keon Keeley, Jordan Renaud and Kelby Collins all opted to transfer. The pecking order of this position and who essentially spends time there this spring is definitely worth monitoring.

Kane Wommack rotated his defensive linemen frequently in 2025. This is expected to happen in the upcoming season as well. Look out for some young players to crack this rotation.

Inside Linebacker

Alabama has to rehaul its inside linebacker position after losing Deontae Lawson, Nikhai Hill-Green and Justin Jefferson to the NFL. The Tide is not returning much experience at inside linebacker, but there is promising young talent on Alabama’s roster. QB Reese, Cayden Jones, Luke Metz, Duke Johnson, and Abduall Sanders all have potential to be excited about, but at the moment, it’s exactly just that, only potential.

Caleb Woodson joins this group out of the transfer portal as the most experienced inside linebacker on the Tide’s roster. He started in 17 games during his three years with the Hokies.

This spring should give a great look at who is in line to be a primary contributor for the Tide at inside linebacker.