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Greg McElroy Expects Huge Leap For Alabama's Defense in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 9:22 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide defense did not reach its potential last season, ranking 21st in total defense in 2024. However, ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy believes they could take a significant jump in 2025.

Speaking on his podcast 'Always College Football,' McElroy ranked his top ten defenses entering the 2025 season, and he had the Crimson Tide at No. 6. He has them as the No.3 best SEC defense, behind the Georgia Bulldogs and his No.1 Texas Longhorns.

The former Alabama quarterback was highly optimistic about what the unit could achieve. "This could be one of the best groups in the country by season's end, assuming the younger players can develop as they developed last season," McElroy said on his podcast.

One of the significant reasons he presented was that the defense was very young last season while also being coached by the new defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack. His scheme was very different from previous ones, and after a month of teething problems, it started to take a clear shape.

The Crimson Tide had plenty of inexperienced players starting, sometimes 3-4 freshmen on the pitch at one time. Players, such as Qua Russaw, will be tasked with helping dominate the pass rush. At the same time, defensive back Zabien Brown is also expected to leap in his second season.

Not only do they have young talent and depth, but they also have plenty of experience returning. LT Overton was a surprise return but a welcome one for Alabama, with three years of college experience and one year under his belt in Tuscaloosa. McElroy also mentions also for defensive tackle James Smith and safety Keon Sabb, who return.

In total, Kalen Deboer's defense returns 66% of production from 2024, a high number in today's college football. If they can make the jump as McElroy expects, they could put themself in the college football playoff picture.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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