After a challenging first season under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Football is determined to bounce back in 2025. The Tide ended 2024 with a 9-4 record, falling short of the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff before suffering a surprising loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl as a two-touchdown favorite.
For a program with a tradition of title contention, these results are far below expectations. Heading into 2025, Coach DeBoer should feel more at ease, with a roster better suited to his system and philosophy.
Early offseason moves suggest Alabama is poised to return to its hallmark of complementary football next season.The biggest issue for Alabama in 2024 was inconsistency. Lacking a clear identity, the team’s performances were often unpredictable. In 2025, expect the Tide to lean on its defense and running game, particularly in the season’s early stages.
The offense should feature a more efficient quarterback, whether it’s Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, or another contender. Early on, the strategy may shift to a less quarterback-centric approach, focusing on the traditional ground game to ease the pressure on the signal-caller.
With experienced backs Jam Miller and Richard Young returning, Alabama has a physical running back duo capable of carrying the load. The addition of transfer Dre Washington provides valuable depth, signaling that the Tide may heavily rely on its backfield next fall.
On the defensive side, Alabama looks even stronger. The team retained key contributors and added impactful transfers across all defensive levels.
Under Kane Wommack in 2024, the defense ranked in the top 10 nationally for scoring and excelled at creating turnovers. Despite being put in tough positions by offensive miscues, the defense kept many games competitive.
In 2025, this unit has the potential to be one of the best in the nation, capable of carrying the team as the quarterback situation stabilizes.
Elite defensive play was the foundation for the top college football teams this past season, and Alabama aims to follow that blueprint. If the Tide can secure consistent quarterback play and reduce turnovers, they will be a formidable contender in 2025.
