There will be some very meaningful position battles taking place in Tuscaloosa this spring. Kalen DeBoer and the rest of the Alabama coaching staff will have some critical decisions to make at various positions leading up to the 2025 season.
Touchdown Alabama breaks down some of the biggest position battles heading into the spring.
1. Quarterback
All eyes will be on the quarterback competition this offseason in Tuscaloosa. With the departure of Jalen Milroe, someone will need to step up and take the reigns as QB1 in 2025. The three candidates to win the starting role are Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack. Each of which have their share of strengths and weaknesses. With limited playing experience, it will be very interesting to see how the coaching staff determines who will start in Week 1 against Florida State. The spring will be a test for the trio of quarterbacks. There does not seem to be a frontrunner leading up to the start of spring practices.
2. Right Tackle
One of the more inconsistent position groups for Alabama last season was right tackle. Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby saw the majority of the snaps at the position. Each of them struggled tremendously to establish themselves as a starter. As a result, Alabama was forced to rotate the two in and out more times than they would have liked. On the bright side, Alabama brought in Ball State transfer Arkel Anugwom and incoming four-star freshman Jackson Lloyd. Both of which will provide competition to Formby. Another player that could push for the starting spot at right tackle is redshirt sophomore Olaus Alinen. This will be a pivotal position battle for the Crimson Tide.
3. STAR / Nickelback
During the offseason, Alabama lost its starter at the STAR position in Devonta Smith. He transferred closer to home to finish his career out at Notre Dame. Several players that are expected to compete for the starting spot are DaShawn Jones, Zavier Mincey, Cam Calhoun, and Red Morgan. No one seems to have the upper hand heading into the spring. However, one of the four will look to separate themselves from the pack. The STAR position is crucial in Kane Wommack’s ‘SWARM’ defense. The position requires versatility, ability to aid in stopping the run, and covering some of the top wide receivers in college football. It will be interesting to see who takes the reigns as the starting STAR in 2025.
4. Tight end / Fullback
Alabama’s starting tight end in 2024 was CJ Dippre. With Dippre heading to the NFL, Alabama will be forced to find his replacement for the 2025 season. Two of the top candidates to replace Dippre are Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis Jr. Both of them saw playing time at tight end last season. Cuevas is more of a pass catcher while Lewis Jr. is more of a blocker. It is also worth adding that Alabama lost starting fullback/tight end Robbie Ouzts to the NFL. Therefore, it could be a possibility that Cuevas replaces Dippre and Lewis Jr. replaces Ouzts. That is certainly a possibility heading into the spring.
5. Left Guard
One of the best offensive lineman in program history declared for the NFL Draft this offseason. That is starting left guard Tyler Booker. The Connecticut native was Alabama’s anchor along the offensive line in each of the last two seasons. Someone will need to step up and replace him in 2025. Some of the top options to do so are Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry, Geno VanDeMark, and incoming freshman Michael Carroll. That is three promising options for the Crimson Tide. This position battle could go into the fall.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
