Where every Alabama football position battle currently stands

Alabama football doesn’t have a ton of holes to fill for the 2025 season. Besides the big one at the most important position on the field, the Crimson Tide either retains its starters from last season, or has an extremely obvious replacement.

As UA prepares to put full pads on for the first time on Sunday, here’s a look at where each of the current battles stands.

Quarterback

No change here from the beginning of camp, or the end of spring football. Ty Simpson leads the way, and has continued to appear at the start of every quarterback drill observed by reporters.

However, he hasn’t won the race yet. After UA’s second day of camp, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb gave an explanation of how the redshirt junior can seal the deal.

“He’s got to do it every day between now and Florida State when we start that preparation,” Grubb said. “Whoever that person is got to come out and be able to show that it’s clearly him, and that’s what this football team needs. And all three of those guys know that.

“And so I think being able to show up and do that every day and not waver in and out of the type of player he is, the type of decision maker he is, the inconsistencies that a young quarterback would show or a quarterback that’s not ready to start. So as long as Ty can do that, or one of the other guys that’s going to be the player that’s going to start at quarterback.”

Left guard

Alabama seemingly has four of its five offensive line starters locked in. The Crimson Tide turned over two spots after last season, but Wilkin Formby is in firm control at right tackle, while the left guard slot remains a battle.

Geno VanDeMark, who served as the Crimson Tide’s utility man last season, is a major player. Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry is his main competition.

“Kam has done a really good job of being mobile and physical at the point of attack,” Grubb said. “Geno is a super savvy player. Can play all over the place, can snap a ball, play center, play guard. I think the physicality piece is going to be a big part.”

VanDeMark looked to be taking first-team reps on the first day of camp, with Dewberry mixing in on Day 2, at least during the media observation time. With Parker Brailsford away at graduation for the third practice, VanDeMark was snapping with the first team in his spot, with Dewberry at guard.

Husky

The fifth defensive back, which Kane Wommack calls the “husky” was filled by DeVonta Smith for most of last season. He’s off to Notre Dame, so UA will have to look elsewhere.

“ I think we’ve got a number of guys that seem to be doing a really good job right now.” Wommack said Thursday. “Pleased with where those guys are going and I really like the competition to start fall camp.”

DaShawn Jones will be a major player for the role, after playing the position during Alabama’s ReliaQuest Bowl appearance. Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. could also see time on the field.

Alabama might even get weird and try Utah transfer cornerback Cam Calhoun at the husky.

“I like what I see from him so far,” Wommack said.

Punter

Relative to position, it’s possible that James Burnip is the best player Alabama has to replace this season. The Crimson Tide currently has two options.

Alex Asparuhov is a true freshman, who missed spring practice with an injury from high school. With him out, Alabama brought in Blake Doud, a transfer from Division II Colorado School of Mines.

DeBoer hasn’t named a starter at the position yet, and praised both after the first day of practice.

“The punter position is probably the one that is the most open where you’ve got a couple guys, Alex and Blake, both coming into the program,” DeBoer said. “Blake in particular had some reps this spring, but still growing and getting stronger. Those two guys competing.

“Alex is now physically in a better spot too. His progress is I guess better than expected from a physical standpoint just being able to go out there and do it. I’m excited about the competition those two teams will bring. I know the ceiling for them, they’ve got some pretty high ceilings. I’m expecting some big things from them.”