5 Biggest Questions Facing Alabama Football Ahead of Fall Camp originally appeared on College Football News.
Alabama is preparing for the 2025 season with Kalen DeBoer entering his second year as head coach.
While expectations are still sky-high, the team knows there are key areas that need improvement before it faces Florida State on the road in Week 1. Fixing the issues from last season will be critical if the Crimson Tide want to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff.
Here are five of the biggest questions they need to answer.
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Can Alabama Stop the Run?
Alabama LB Deontae Lawson. © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Last season, Alabama’s run defense gave up too many yards on the ground — almost 138 yards per game, allowing over 150 yards five times. That’s not the standard we expect from Alabama. Their defense used to control games by dominating the line of scrimmage and making life tough for opposing running backs.
Now, leaders like Deontae Lawson and Tim Keenan have to bring that physicality back.
Who Will Lead at Quarterback?
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) makes a throw during warmups before a game against the Missouri Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Ty Simpson seems to be the early favorite for the starting job. But don’t count out Austin Mack or five-star freshman Keelon Russell. Alabama needs steady, confident play from this position to succeed in DeBoer’s offense.
The guy who can do all that consistently will give Alabama the best chance to win tough SEC games.
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Will Isaiah Horton Step Up?
Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Horton caught 56 passes for over 600 yards last season and transfers in from Miami. Now a senior, he has a big chance to become the go-to receiver next to Ryan Williams. He’s big and skilled, but he’ll need to beat tight coverage and make big plays consistently.
When Horton is playing well, it opens things up for the whole offense.
Can the Offensive Line Get Better?
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) blocks Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Rose Bowl.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Alabama’s offensive line showed flashes of dominance last year but struggled with consistency in key moments, especially in controlling the line of scrimmage against power fronts. Kaydyn Proctor remains the anchor at tackle, bringing physicality and technique, but the Tide need the entire unit to improve both their run-blocking schemes and pass protection fundamentals.
Sharper pass protection in particular will give the quarterback the necessary pocket time to navigate complex SEC defenses and execute DeBoer’s timing-based passing attack.
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Is the Secondary Ready?
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Keon Sabb (3) celebrates after a play against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Will McLelland-Imagn Images
The defensive backs, like Domani Jackson and Keon Sabb, have a tough job ahead.
The SEC has endless top receivers and smart quarterbacks, so Alabama’s secondary must communicate well and avoid big mistakes.
They’ll face early tests against teams like Georgia and Wisconsin, so how well they gel in camp could make a big difference.
Related: Alabama Football Preview 2025: Kalen DeBoer Did Just Fine – Now Go Win It All
Related: Alabama Football Defense Preview 2025: The Crimson Tide D Was Good, Now Can It Dominate?
This story was originally reported by College Football News on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
