Alabama football began preparations for its 2025 season-opener against Florida State on Wednesday. The Crimson Tide opened preseason camp on what was predicted to be a scorching day in Tuscaloosa.

There’s no shortage of storylines entering camp this season. UA has several position battles active, including a quarterback competition.

Reporters were allowed in for an early portion of the practice, which marked the start of Kalen DeBoer’s second camp of head coach of the Crimson Tide. Here’s what we saw on the field.

Alabama football practice observations

— Reporters were let out at the beginning of the fifth practice period.

— The temperature had already climbed to 85 degrees in Tuscaloosa, and the UA hydration staff was hard at work.

— Players were dressed out in jerseys, helmets and shorts for the first day of practice.

— The playlist for Wednesday’s practice included AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun,” and Kanye West’s “Power.”

— Media members did not observe any 11-on-11 football. The Crimson Tide mostly went through individual and group drills during the periods reporters could watch.

— Besides the quarterbacks, no Alabama players were spotted wearing black non-contact jerseys.

— The Crimson Tide had scholarship tight ends back practicing. UA was down to just one, Jay Lindsey, during spring practice, due to a rash of injuries. The tight end group spotted working with TE coach Bryan Ellis included the players expected to be top contributors at the position, including Josh Cuevas, Danny Lewis Jr. and Marshall Pritchett, who wore a large brace on his left leg.

— No surprises in the quarterback battle. Ty Simpson went first in drills, followed by Austin Mack, then Keelon Russell. Crimson Tide coaches have said that Simpson leads the way in the race, and would start if the season started after spring practice.

— During offensive line drills, Geno VanDeMark appeared to be running with the first group at left guard. Kam Dewberry, who transferred in from Texas A&M this offseason, was going second. Those two are battling for the starting job during preseason camp, replacing Tyler Booker.

— Linebacker Deontae Lawson, whose 2024 season ended with an ACL injury that caused him to miss spring football, was back on the field and looked to be participating in drills. Lawson was wearing a regular white jersey like the rest of the defense, and donned a knee brace.

— DeBoer mostly worked with Alabama’s quarterbacks, as he always has. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, already sweating through his hoodie, spent much of the observation period with Freddie Roach and the UA defensive linemen.

— The DL worked on pursuit drills with Roach during the eighth period, with Tim Keenan leading the way. Roach implored his players to “Haul ass,” and paused briefly to help newcomer Steve Bolo Mboumoua with his technique.

— Media observation time ended after the eighth period.