Five Things Alabama Football Needs to Do Before the A-Day Spring Game

Alabama football, one of the most successful programs in college football history, is once again gearing up for its annual A-Day spring game. The A-Day game serves as a public showcase for the Crimson Tide, allowing coaches, players, and fans to get a glimpse of the team’s development as it prepares for the upcoming season. With high expectations for the program in 2025, Alabama must take certain steps before the A-Day spring game to ensure that the team is ready to compete for another SEC title and national championship. Here are five things Alabama football needs to do before the A-Day spring game to set the stage for a successful 2025 season.

1. Finalize the Quarterback Competition

One of the biggest storylines heading into Alabama’s A-Day spring game is the ongoing quarterback competition. After the departure of Bryce Young to the NFL, the Crimson Tide finds itself in need of a new leader under center. While the A-Day game won’t necessarily decide the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, it will be an important step in the evaluation process. The coaches need to ensure they have a clear understanding of who their starting quarterback will be, as this will be the cornerstone of the offense.

Key Points to Address:

• Evaluating Jalen Milroe: Jalen Milroe has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also been inconsistent in his brief appearances as the backup quarterback. The coaching staff needs to assess whether Milroe can take the next step in his development, particularly as a more consistent passer. His mobility is an asset, but if he wants to be the starter, his ability to read defenses and make throws under pressure will be key.
• Tyler Buchner’s Progress: Tyler Buchner, a transfer from Notre Dame, is another player in the mix for the starting job. Buchner brings experience from a Power 5 program, and his performances in spring camp will be closely scrutinized. The A-Day game will be an opportunity for him to showcase his poise in a game-like environment and prove that he can run the offense effectively.
• Freshman QB Development: With an eye on the future, Alabama also has a talented freshman quarterback in Eli Holstein, who could potentially be a contributor in the near future. Although it’s unlikely he’ll be the starter in 2025, getting him meaningful reps during spring practice and in the A-Day game will be valuable for his development.

The coaching staff needs to use the remaining practices before A-Day to ensure that both Milroe and Buchner are comfortable in the offense, understanding the playbook inside and out. Additionally, they need to establish a hierarchy and create a game plan that allows for maximum evaluation of each quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses. The A-Day game will be the perfect platform to see how each of them performs under pressure and what their potential is as a starting quarterback.

2. Develop Offensive Line Cohesion

The Alabama offensive line has been a topic of discussion in recent years, as it has not always lived up to the program’s historical standard. While the Tide has produced some elite offensive linemen, in 2025, there will be significant questions regarding how the line will perform, especially after some departures from last season. The coaching staff must prioritize developing chemistry and continuity along the offensive line before the A-Day game to ensure they can protect their quarterback and create holes for the running game.

Key Points to Address:

• Evaluating the Tackles: Alabama has to figure out its starting tackle positions. The Crimson Tide needs to solidify both the left and right tackle spots, as these positions will be crucial in both pass protection and run blocking. Junior J.C. Latham, a highly touted prospect, will likely be in the mix at right tackle. His ability to be a consistent and dominant force is essential for Alabama’s success. The left tackle position, however, is still up for grabs, with players like Tyler Booker and Kadyn Proctor fighting for that spot. A stable line is a must for a new quarterback to feel comfortable in the pocket.
• Interior Line Development: The interior of the offensive line, including the guards and center, will also need to be solidified before the A-Day game. Alabama lost some talent at these positions, but there is talent waiting to emerge. The emergence of players like James Brockermeyer and Seth McLaughlin could be pivotal in maintaining stability up front. Alabama’s offense relies heavily on its ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, and the development of the interior line will play a significant role in that.
• Rotational Depth: With an eye on the future, Alabama needs to develop depth along the offensive line. Having players who can step up in case of injury or fatigue will be crucial during the long SEC season. The A-Day game will provide an opportunity to rotate offensive linemen and assess their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

In preparation for the A-Day spring game, Alabama’s coaching staff must continue to work on offensive line fundamentals and ensure that each player is fully integrated into the system. The team needs to test different combinations and allow time for the unit to gel before the game to ensure that the offense has a solid foundation when the season begins.

3. Address Defensive Secondary and Depth Issues

Alabama’s defense has been one of the program’s strengths for years, but the secondary has been a point of vulnerability at times. The defensive backfield has talent but needs to improve in coverage and consistency, especially after losing a few key players to the NFL. With the highly competitive SEC offenses, it’s crucial that Alabama’s secondary plays at a high level. The A-Day spring game will be an important time to evaluate the cornerbacks and safeties to see if they can cover elite SEC receivers and prevent explosive plays.

Key Points to Address:

• Cornerback Depth: The Crimson Tide must identify its top cornerback tandem. Kool-Aid McKinstry is likely to be a leader in the defensive backfield, but there are questions about who will step up as the other starter. Players like Terrion Arnold and Eli Ricks are in the mix, but consistency will be key. The A-Day game is a perfect opportunity to test out matchups and see which cornerbacks can handle the physicality and speed of Alabama’s offense.
• Safety Play: Safety play will also be critical for Alabama’s defense in 2025. With players like Malachi Moore and DeMarcco Hellams potentially moving on, the safeties will need to step up and play a major role in both run support and pass coverage. Alabama’s defense needs safeties who are versatile and can make plays all over the field, especially in coverage. This unit has to find a leader who can command the back end and make critical adjustments as needed.
• Depth and Rotation: Defensive depth is always a concern for Alabama, especially in the secondary. The team needs to develop enough depth to compete with the fast-paced offenses in the SEC. The A-Day game offers a chance to evaluate younger players, particularly those at the cornerback and safety positions, to see if they’re ready for bigger roles in the upcoming season.

The coaching staff needs to ensure that the secondary is well-prepared for the season, especially given the challenges they’ll face in the SEC. The spring game will be an opportunity to address communication issues, improve ball skills, and develop depth in the defensive backfield.

4. Establish the Running Back Rotation

Alabama has long been known for producing elite running backs, and in 2025, the program has a strong stable of running backs to choose from. However, with the departure of star players, it’s crucial that the coaching staff establishes a clear running back rotation before the A-Day game. The effectiveness of the running game will be crucial for Alabama’s success on offense, particularly as the new quarterback settles in.

Key Points to Address:

• Jahmyr Gibbs’ Replacement: Alabama needs to identify who will take on the leadership role in the backfield after the departure of Jahmyr Gibbs. Players like Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and freshman Justice Haynes are among the candidates to fill the void. The A-Day game will give them the chance to showcase their abilities in a game setting and prove they can be the workhorse back.
• Balanced Committee: While one back may emerge as the clear starter, Alabama has shown in the past that it’s not afraid to use a committee approach. The A-Day game will allow the coaching staff to evaluate how the different backs perform in various situations—short-yardage, goal-line, and pass protection. A versatile group of running backs who can contribute in different roles will be essential for the offense’s success.
• Offensive Line and Running Back Chemistry: The running back and offensive line must work together to establish a strong ground game. The A-Day game will give both units a chance to build chemistry and fine-tune their timing in terms of reads and blocking assignments.

5. Solidify Special Teams and Kicking Game

Special teams often get overlooked, but for Alabama to achieve its goals in 2025, solid play on special teams will be essential. Alabama needs to identify a kicker, punter, and return specialists who can perform under pressure. The A-Day game is an excellent opportunity to see how players handle special teams situations, including field goals, punts, and kick returns.

Key Points to Address:

• Placekicker Battle: With the departure of a reliable kicker, Alabama will have to determine who will take over the placekicking duties. The A-Day game will offer a chance to evaluate the kicking competition and see who has the leg strength and accuracy to handle pressure situations.
• Punting and Return Game: Alabama needs to solidify its punter and return specialists as well. The ability to flip the field with quality punting and to generate explosive returns could make a significant difference in close games. The A-Day game will allow the team to experiment with different players in these roles.
• Coaching Attention to Detail: Special teams often come down to the smallest details, such as blocking, timing, and consistency. Alabama’s coaching staff must ensure that special teams fundamentals are solidified before the spring game.