Alabama football’s defense wants to be known for its ‘violent intentions’

The Alabama football defense is expected to be one of the best in college football in 2025.

The Crimson Tide return starters on defense at all three levels. Alabama has also added defensive experience via the transfer portal with the additions of Kelby Collins, Nikhai Hill-Green and Cam Calhoun. There are also a few freshmen who could push for early playing time in the upcoming season.

This group wants to live up to the hype it has generated during the offseason in a violent fashion, according to the Tide’s defensive lineman, LT Overton.

“Honestly, we stand on that Swarm D identity,” Overton said. “We all swarm to the ball. It’s violent intentions everywhere we go. We want to uphold that we are the best defense in the country. That is what we stand on every day, how we practice like the best team in the country.”

The Alabama defense went through its fair share of growing pains during the 2024 season under first-year defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. The Tide’s veteran linebacker, Deontae Lawson felt these growing pains helped Alabama’s defense continue to grow during the 2024 season.

Lawson told reporters last year’s defensive momentum, combined with more players being bought in, had him feeling the Alabama defense could be different in 2025 at SEC Media Days.

“I think it being year one and Coach Wo’s (Wommack) system, we had our bumps and bruises that we had to go through throughout the season,” Lawson said. “We just have to get more reps. I think as the season progressed, we were able to get better from it. I’m very excited for our defense this year. I feel like we have more guys that knows Coach Wo’s system, and we know the scheme. Now it’s all about honing in on what the offense do, so we’re able to anticipate at the highest level and fire out.”

Alabama’s defense will have an intriguing task on Aug. 30 when it takes on what could be an unpredictable Florida State offense.