Alabama football has a quarterback battle underway, something that always takes most of the offseason oxygen. However, that’s not the only position open ahead of the 2025 season.

The Crimson Tide won’t start preseason camp until early August, ahead of an Aug. 30 season-opener against Florida State. However, due to tight publication schedules, some preseason preview magazines are already on the newstands.

Both Lindy’s and Athlon Sports predicted Ty Simpson will win the marquee job in Tuscaloosa this season, not a big reach given the Tide’s coaches announcement that Simpson was the frontrunner after spring practice. The magazines also made projections for the rest of UA’s starting lineup, including plenty of spots vacated by the previous starters.

As the season approaches, here’s who Lindy’s and Athlon think will step into starting roles for five open positions.

Left guard

Athlon: Geno VanDeMark

Lindy’s: Geno VanDeMark

Outlook: Left guard is a spot where Alabama likely won’t be improved in 2025. That’s nothing against VanDeMark, Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry or anyone else, but Tyler Booker was as good as it gets.

The magazines both believe in VanDeMark, but it’s possible he remains in his utility role, with Dewberry assuming the starting job.

Right tackle

Athlon: Wilkin Formby

Lindy’s: Wilkin Formby

Outlook: Formby is the most obvious choice for either of the vacant offensive line spots. He began 2024 as the starter before Elijah Pritchett, who entered the portal after the season, took over the spot.

Formby might have struggled early, but looked improved during late-season action. Coaches have been high on him throughout the offseason as well, and it looks like he’ll be starting come Week 1.

Tight end

Athlon: Josh Cuevas

Lindy’s: Josh Cuevas

Outlook: Both of the Crimson Tide’s main tight ends, CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts, headed to the NFL. After an offseason plagued by injuries at the position, the magazines both projected Cuevas will assume the role.

Cuevas contributed last season after following DeBoer from Washington. Danny Lewis Jr. also figures to get serious playing time at tight end.

Punter

Athlon: Blake Doud

Lindy’s: Blake Doud

Outlook: One of the best punters in Crimson Tide history, James Burnip, needs to be replaced. The magazines project Doud, who transferred in from Colorado School of Mines, will be the winner of that competition.

However, freshman Alex Asparuhov could also factor in. He was injured and missed spring practice, but could make up ground in preseason camp.

Kicker

Athlon: Conor Talty

Lindy’s: Conor Talty

Outlook: Talty has been on the roster for two seasons, first sitting behind Will Reichard, then Graham Nicholson. Alabama has other kickers on the roster, but it seems 2025 will finally be Talty’s year.