Alabama football will have a different starting lineup in 2025. The question is, how different?

A handful of players have departed for the NFL Draft such as guard Tyler Booker, quarterback Jalen Milroe and linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Several players left via the transfer portal, but most were depth pieces and not returning starters outside of Elijah Pritchett and DeVonta Smith.

So, the starting lineup might not look drastically different in the second year under coach Kalen DeBoer. There will be some changes, though.

With about two months until spring practices start, here’s our early projections for who will win starting spots by the fall.

Quarterback

Projected starter: Ty Simpson

Analysis: The job is Simpson’s to lose. He has waited his turn and will have every opportunity to win it. The belief is that he can and will, but he won’t be handed the job. He will face competition from Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell. But heading into the spring, Simpson’s in pole position.

Running back

Projected starter: Jam Miller

Analysis: Alabama returns the starting running back from 2024.

Wide receiver

Projected starters: Germie Bernard (Z), Ryan Williams (X), Cole Adams (H)

Analysis: Expect Isaiah Horton to see plenty of time, too, especially in four receiver sets. He projects less as an “H” receiver than Adams or Rico Scott. But the Miami transfer still figures to see plenty of opportunities alongside Bernard and Williams, two returning starters. Jaylen Mbakwe is also a bit of a wildcard here. He will likely be in the running for the starting
“H” receiver spot, in competition with Adams and Scott.

Tight end

Projected starters: Danny Lewis Jr. (Y), Josh Cuevas (H)

Analysis: Lewis and Cuevas are the top two returners at the position and figure to take over the starting spots from CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts.

Offensive line

Projected starters: Kadyn Proctor (LT), Michael Carroll (LG), Parker Brailsford (C), Jaeden Roberts (RG), Wilkin Formby (RT)

Analysis: Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry could also start at left guard instead of Carroll, but Caroll brings plenty of intrigue. He’s got plenty of potential and could be the starter right away. If not, his days in the starting lineup likely aren’t far behind. Also, watch for freJackson Lloyd at right tackle. Formby should get first crack at winning the right tackle job, but Lloyd has a bright future like Carroll.

Bandit (defensive lineman)

Projected starter: LT Overton or Kelby Collins

Analysis: Overton is back as an “or” starter, and Collins is an addition from Florida who figures to be in the rotation with Overton, similar to how Alabama used Overton with Jah-Marien Latham in 2024.

Nose tackle

Projected starter: Tim Keenan III

Analysis: The veteran defender maintains his starting spot at nose tackle.

Defensive tackle

Projected starter: James Smith

Analysis: With Tim Smith gone, James Smith is next up to start in this spot.

Wolf (edge rusher)

Projected starter: Qua Russaw or Jah-Marien Latham

Analysis: This is how the depth chart at this position ended the year, and it’s likely how it starts 2025. Both Russaw and Latham present intrigue off the edge.

Stinger (linebacker)

Projected starter: Deontae Lawson

Analysis: The Alabama captain will return for another season and fill his starting spot again.

Mike (linebacker)

Projected starter: Nikhai Hill-Green

Analysis: Perhaps Justin Jefferson takes this spot instead. And there’s also a scenario where we see Lawson, Hill-Green and Jefferson all on the field at the same time. Either way, the inside linebacker rotation and competition will be one of the most intriguing developments to watch through spring and summer.

Cornerback

Projected starter: Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown

Analysis: Both starting cornerbacks are staying for another season.

Free safety

Projected starter: Keon Sabb

Analysis: The former Michigan transfer missed a good chunk of the year with an injury, but he figures to reclaim his starting spot.

Strong safety

Projected starter: Bray Hubbard

Analysis: Hubbard played so well down the stretch that he’s an early favorite for one of the safety spots. Zavier Mincey is another player to watch at safety after he fared well as the starter alongside Hubbard in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Husky (nickel defensive back)

Projected starter: DaShawn Jones

Analysis: This could possibly be Red Morgan as well, but we’ll give the edge to Jones, the former Wake Forest transfer. He was primarily a cornerback last season, but then he worked more at Husky as the year went on.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.