Ty Simpson falters, Keelon Russell isn’t ready, and an overrated OL highlight key concerns for Alabama entering 2025 CFB season

The Alabama Crimson Tide are heading into an extremely important 2025 college football season under head coach Kalen DeBoer. It’s the second year under Coach DeBoer, and there are high expectations for a massive jump, and there should be. On paper, this should be a very good football team. 

Like any talented team, however, there is always a chance that Alabama underperforms. If the Crimson Tide were to disappoint, it is probably due to one of these reasons. The conversation, of course, begins behind center, 

Ty Simpson falters 

After waiting his turn, and getting passed up for years, it finally looks like Simpson is going to be getting his chance this season. There isn’t much experience in the quarterback room, which helps his chances tremendously. Simpson will have plenty of talent to work with, including Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Isaiah Horton. There is a reason to believe that Simpson will be productive because of the support that is in place. 

The question is, however, just how good can Simpson be? There’s a reality where Simpson is a solid player, but it just isn't good enough. In a lot of ways, Simpson's standing feels eerily similar to Kyle McCord for Ohio State heading into 2023. There is one player who continues to make Simpson's standing feel somewhat temporary.

Keelon Russell isn’t ready 

While Simpson is the floor in the quarterback room, there is little question that the true freshman Russell is the ceiling. A lot of people are excited about Russell, and they should be. He is an incredibly gifted thrower who is also a threat as a runner. It feels like a lot of people feel like Russell could challenge Simpson at some point in 2025. From a pure talent perspective, it’s very possible that Russell forces his way onto the field this season. If he does, there should be a lot for Crimson Tide fans to be excited about. 

Like any freshman, Russell is bound to make some poor decisions when he does get on the field. There’s a strong chance that his physical skill set is ready to play, but who knows if he will be mentally. If Coach DeBoer does turn to Russell at any point in the season, it’s probably more of a long term play for 2026 and beyond. 

Overrated offensive line 

Heading into the 2025 season, there seems to be some high opinions of the Alabama offensive line. The big headliner of the group is starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who has had some strong moments, and some really bad ones as well. It’s reasonable to believe that he will take a massive jump this season, but that is still a wait and see proposition. The Crimson Tide also have center Parker Brailsford, who should at least be a good player in 2025. 

There are, however, extreme question marks at the other three offensive line spots right now. For every highlight block for Jaeden Roberts, he has some absolute blunders on film as well last season. He has not developed into the stellar performer many expected. They are breaking in two new starters in transfer guard Kam Dewberry and Wilkin Formby at right tackle. Despite so many questions, Alabama is still perceived to be this tremendous offensive line.