Alabama’s Defense Could Be Elite in 2025—Now, the Offense Must Catch Up.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Alabama is on the verge of fielding one of the most dominant defenses in the nation. With several key players returning, including star cornerback Domani Jackson—should he choose to stay—the Crimson Tide’s defense could be the backbone of their championship aspirations.
However, while the defense appears stacked with talent, Alabama still faces uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball. If the Tide want to return to the College Football Playoff and reclaim their spot atop college football, fixing their offensive issues will be critical.
Elite Talent Returning on Defense
The biggest storyline for Alabama’s defense is whether Domani Jackson will return for another season. If he does, the Crimson Tide will boast one of the best cornerback duos in the country, pairing Jackson with rising star Zabien Brown. Jackson, a former five-star recruit, has the speed and physicality to lock down top receivers, while Brown showed flashes of brilliance in his first season. Together, they would form a secondary that could neutralize even the most explosive passing attacks in the SEC.
Beyond the secondary, Alabama’s defense is loaded with experienced playmakers. Linebacker Deontae Lawson has established himself as a leader in the middle of the defense, and his return ensures that Alabama will have a stabilizing force in the front seven. Lawson is a tackling machine with excellent instincts, and his presence will be crucial in stopping the run and defending against short passing plays.
Defensive linemen LT Overton and Tim Keenan provide a formidable presence up front. Keenan is a run-stuffing force in the middle, while Overton brings versatility and pass-rushing ability off the edge. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses will allow Alabama’s defense to dictate the tempo of games.
Another key returner is linebacker Justin Jefferson, who has the speed and coverage skills needed to thrive in Alabama’s defensive scheme. With Jefferson, Lawson, and the dominant defensive line in place, the Tide’s front seven will be one of the most feared units in the nation.
With so much talent returning, Alabama’s defense has the potential to be elite. But will it be enough?
Offensive Questions Remain
While Alabama’s defense could be one of the best in the country, the offense remains a work in progress. Last season, the Tide struggled with inconsistency at quarterback and along the offensive line, which led to issues moving the ball against elite defenses.
The biggest question is who will start at quarterback. Jalen Milroe showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled at times, particularly with decision-making and accuracy. If he returns as the starter, he will need to take a significant step forward in his development. If Alabama turns to a younger quarterback or a transfer, there will be a learning curve that could impact the team’s offensive efficiency.
Another issue is the offensive line, which must improve in pass protection. Last season, Alabama’s offensive line gave up too many sacks and struggled to create consistent running lanes. The Tide have talent in the trenches, but they need to find the right combination of players to solidify the unit.
Additionally, Alabama will need to identify reliable playmakers at wide receiver and running back. In recent years, the Tide have produced elite offensive weapons like DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Jahmyr Gibbs. This season, they will need someone to step up and become the go-to threat on offense.
The Championship Formula
Alabama’s defense looks ready to dominate in 2025, but if the offense doesn’t improve, the Tide could struggle to reach their full potential. If Jackson returns and the defense plays at an elite level, Alabama will be in every game, even against top-tier opponents. However, if the offense remains inconsistent, it could hold the team back from competing for a national title.
For Alabama to return to championship form, they must figure out their quarterback situation, solidify the offensive line, and find reliable playmakers. If they can do that, and their defense plays up to its potential, the Crimson Tide will be a legitimate threat to win it all in 2025.
