5 storylines to monitor during 2025 Alabama football spring practice

Posted by author March 5, 2025 Football

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One of the more anticipated times of year for an Alabama Crimson Tide football fan has now officially arrived, as the program recently began spring practice this past Monday in what was the first on-field action for the 2025 team.

Coming off their lowest win total since 2007, Alabama finished last season at 9-4 overall (5-3 in SEC) in year one of the post-Saban era, but have momentum building on a potential bounce-back season with Kalen DeBoer and staff having a full offseason to work with now. In addition to this, Alabama also had numerous key players decide to return next season, and have also brought in some impact newcomers on both the roster and coaching staff.

So, as the Crimson Tide participate in spring practice over the next couple of weeks, what are some of the biggest storylines surrounding Alabama that you should be watching for?

Let’s take a look at five prominent storylines that will likely dominate Alabama’s spring practice between now and A-Day.

Alabama’s quarterback competition: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, or Keelon Russell?

Any time that Alabama has a quarterback competition during the offseason, it dominates the headlines around the program, and this year will be no different. Returning redshirt junior Ty Simpson is the likely favorite entering spring in this competition, but the former five-star will have to win the job over returning redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, as well as highly-touted true freshman Keelon Russell.

Ryan Grubb now calling plays for Alabama offense

One of the most significant changes this spring compared to a year ago is that Alabama has a different play caller in new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The long-time Kalen DeBoer assistant takes over for Nick Sheridan in calling plays for Alabama, who has since moved to quarterbacks coach, and brings a notable amount of excitement based on his past success at places such as Washington.

What does Alabama special teams unit look like?

Likely the unit that will look the most different this spring for Alabama comes on special teams, where the Crimson Tide are tasked with replacing all three of Graham Nicholson, James Burnip, and Kneeland Hibbett. Conor Talty, a kicker, is likely the most notable name returning on special teams, while the Crimson Tide will be counting on some newcomers in 2025 as well, with spring practice giving the first look at those names.

Alabama replacing two starters along offensive line

Alabama’s offensive line is tasked with replacing two starters in Tyler Booker and Elijah Pritchett, the latter of which exited the program via the transfer portal this offseason. The Crimson Tide return the trio of Kadyn Proctor, Parker Brailsford, and Jaeden Roberts in 2025, but as for who takes over at left guard and right tackle, spring could go a long way in deciding who the favorites are at those spots.

Which freshman will emerge for Alabama?

Almost every year, Alabama has a few true freshmen that begin to emerge in the spring, and later take the field in the fall as prominent contributors for the Crimson Tide. This season is likely set to be no different, and based on the amount of players dealing with injuries this spring for Alabama, the door is certainly open for some freshmen to step into key spots almost immediately.