11/16/24 MFB Alabama vs Mercer Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson (15) Photo by Kaitlin Arnold
Alabama:
2024 Record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC
2025 Prediction: 10-2, 7-2 SEC
Overview:
It’s year two under Kalen Deboer. I think it’s safe to say that last year was a massive disappointment. Fast forward to this year; it seems that the roster is more locked in, and less distracted. A competitive schedule with a lot of tests is upon the horizon, and with one of the most loaded rosters in the country, it’s essentially playoff or bust for the Crimson Tide this upcoming season.
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- 11/9/2024 MFB Alabama vs LSU Alabama Wide Receiver Ryan Williams (2) Photo by Nolan Clark
Offense:
DeBoer gets his OC back in Ryan Grubb. Let’s start with the fact that Jalen Milroe is gone, and the staff gets a better thrower of the ball in Ty Simpson. Freshman phenom Ryan Williams will be back, with Germie Bernard to his side for a nasty wideout combo. Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford headline a talented offensive line. Jam Miller and Richard Young bring some experience to a rather overlooked backfield. Overall, the strengths of this group are the receivers and offensive line, as the backfield isn’t otherworldly talented and a first year starter coming in at QB.
Defense:
This is where Alabama will shine. Kane Wommack has so much talent and experience. LT Overton and Tim Keenan lead the defensive line, and Deontae Lawson and Qua Russaw take on higher roles at linebacker. The secondary is ridiculously loaded and is pretty much a no fly zone, with guys like Zabien Brown, Domani Jackson, and Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb to take unprecedented strides. This is the main strength of Alabama next year, and there aren’t really that many holes in the depth chart.
Special Teams:
Blake Doud takes over at punter, and after sitting behind two legendary kickers, Conor Talty should have a shot at kicker. Ryan Williams is at punt returner once again, and Cole Adams is the kickoff returner.
Final Thoughts:
There’s not much margin for error. Deboer has one of the most talented squads in America, and other than playing in Jordan-Hare, almost all of their tough games are at home. With that being said, while expectations are almost as high as they’ve ever been, Alabama has what it takes to get another national title.
