2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 9-4, Loss vs. Michigan in Reliaquest Bowl (19-13)

It was a disappointing first season for Kalen DeBoer as head coach in the post-Nick Saban era. Alabama peaked at 4-0 following a huge win against Georgia. The Crimson Tide followed it up with a road loss to Vanderbilt, which is a big error in the SEC. The Tide would go onto lose to Tennessee and get blown out by Oklahoma before a win in the Iron Bowl. Alabama will look to rebound and return to the CFB Playoff this season.

OFFENSE: Kalen DeBoer Must Raise Levels

DeBoer came to Alabama as an offensive coach who was expected to take Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide back to the playoffs. Instead, the team looked lackluster at times and the passing game struggled. That has to change this year with a new quarterback in the building.

Ty Simpson will be tasked with bringing Alabama back to the promised land. He spent time waiting and will now be on top of the depth chart after coming in as a top-level recruit. Simpson will work with an incredible receiving corps. It begins with Ryan Williams, who was one of the best receivers in the nation as a true freshman.

Simpson will also work behind a top-flight offensive line. Kadyn Proctor is as good as any tackle in the nation while Parker Brailsford is an NFL center. Jaeden Roberts is a guard who will also play at the next level. There are three All-Conference caliber lineman along with other depth, such as Wilkin Formby and Cam Dewberry.

In the backfield, Justice Haynes is gone but Jam Miller returns after rushing for 668 yards and seven touchdowns.

DEFENSE: Crimson Tide D Has to be Dominant

The defense was good but not great. We saw the Crimson Tide be dominant at times but we also saw the other side — like the Vanderbilt game. Now, Alabama must return to form.

For Alabama, it always begins with the pass rush. There was no breakout star last year and this is where Qua Russaw must step up after 36 tackles last season. Jah-Marien Latham will also be given an extended role after one sack last season. While the edge needs to improve, the interior is strong.

Tim Keenan and Jeremiah Beaman are both 315+ pounds on the inside but could use that fine tuning needed to be superstars. Edric Hill will also be apart of the rotation, which could be deep for the Tide.

The secondary might be the strength of the defense. Domani Jackson returns at corner while Zabien Brown will work on the other side after starting as a freshman.

2025 ALABAMA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: at Florida State
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. UL Monroe
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Wisconsin
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at Georgia
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Vanderbilt
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Missouri
• Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. Tennessee
• Saturday, Oct. 25: at South Carolina
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. LSU
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Oklahoma
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Auburn