Five lessons learned from Alabama football’s first week of 2025 camp.
The start of the 2025 fall camp marks a critical moment for Alabama football under head coach Kalen DeBoer. With a new era officially underway, the first week of camp has revealed several truths about the direction the Crimson Tide are heading, the attitude of the roster, and how the team plans to sustain championship standards in the post-Nick Saban era. With a blend of returning veterans and promising young talent, Alabama’s initial practices have offered insights that hint at the season to come. These first seven days weren’t just about installing plays or developing chemistry they were about setting a tone for the future. Here are five key lessons learned from the opening week of 2025 camp.
One of the biggest takeaways from the early days of Alabama’s fall camp is the clear emergence of Jalen Milroe as the undisputed leader of the offense. The redshirt junior quarterback has not only taken full command of the offense but has done so with a heightened sense of maturity, poise, and confidence. Milroe’s offseason dedication to improving his decision-making, footwork, and pocket presence is evident. His throws are sharper, his reads more deliberate, and his leadership vocal. Teammates are rallying around him, and coaches have praised his growth. In an offense designed by DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, which emphasizes rhythm, timing, and vertical threats, Milroe appears increasingly comfortable. During 7-on-7 and full-team drills, he has shown a stronger command of pre-snap reads and a willingness to go through progressions rather than relying solely on his athleticism. This evolution is critical for Alabama’s championship aspirations and the development of the team’s young receiving corps.
Equally noticeable has been the offensive line’s renewed emphasis on physicality and cohesion. With multiple starting jobs up for grabs and the addition of key transfers and freshmen, the offensive line has become a focal point. Coach DeBoer and new offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic have prioritized trench dominance in every practice session. From aggressive run-blocking schemes to enhanced pass protection drills, the emphasis on fundamentals is paying off. Freshman five-star tackle Darnell Hamilton has turned heads with his combination of size, strength, and technique, already taking reps with the first team. Meanwhile, returning players like Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts have embraced their leadership roles, mentoring younger players and setting the tone for high-energy, high-intensity practices. The physical nature of line play early in camp sends a strong message: Alabama intends to win games in the trenches, and the battle for starting spots is far from settled.
Another major theme of camp has been the defensive identity overhaul under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. While the Crimson Tide have always been synonymous with dominant defenses, the style under Wommack emphasizes speed, disruption, and aggressive attacking principles. This shift has been immediately evident in practice, where linebackers are flying to the ball, defensive linemen are stunting with precision, and defensive backs are being taught to aggressively contest every pass. The most promising development has come from the linebacker corps, where Deontae Lawson and freshman phenom Zion Barnes have impressed with their range and instinct. Lawson, a veteran presence, is embracing his role as the quarterback of the defense, communicating checks and ensuring alignment. Barnes, meanwhile, has been a revelation with his sideline-to-sideline speed and knack for diagnosing plays. On the back end, cornerbacks Domani Jackson and Jahlil Hurley have shown physicality in man coverage, and safety Caleb Downs continues to look like one of the best players in the country. There is a clear intent to return to a more suffocating, turnover-producing style of play.
Special teams, often overlooked, have also seen a transformation. With a new coaching staff bringing different philosophies, there’s a renewed focus on field position, return game threats, and execution in the kicking game. One of the camp’s early stars is kicker Will Reichard, who returns for his final season after an already decorated career. His consistency and leadership provide stability. In the return game, wide receiver Kendrick Law has emerged as a dynamic option, showcasing burst and vision that could make him a game-changer. The punt and kick coverage units have been drilled with relentless energy, and the attention to detail has been evident in daily practice segments. Alabama is aiming to regain the edge in all three phases of the game, and special teams are receiving championship-level attention. This approach reflects a coaching staff determined not to let small details become costly errors in close games.
Finally, the most subtle yet significant lesson from Alabama’s first week of camp is the cultural shift taking place within the program. While DeBoer has emphasized respect for the legacy left by Nick Saban, he is also clearly building a culture that reflects his own personality and values. Practices have been intense but also efficient, with an emphasis on player feedback, collaboration, and adaptability. The coaching staff is younger, more energetic, and deeply engaged with players during and after drills. There is also a noticeable shift in how players interact—more ownership of the process, more leadership emerging from unexpected places, and a team-wide focus on communication and accountability. Veterans are mentoring freshmen without being asked, and walk-ons are receiving the same intensity of coaching as five-star recruits. That kind of unity and structure suggests a healthy, thriving culture one that may be different than the Saban era, but still rooted in discipline, excellence, and winning. It’s a sign that DeBoer’s message is being received, and that the program is evolving without losing its foundation.
Beyond the practice field, there’s also been strong early returns in terms of recruiting, with several top-tier 2026 recruits visiting Tuscaloosa during the first week of camp. DeBoer’s staff is pushing hard to sell a vision that combines tradition with innovation, and prospects have responded positively. The momentum built from this first week could carry over into a strong recruiting cycle, which is vital as Alabama looks to compete not just this year, but for years to come.
All of this points to a single truth: Alabama football is not rebuilding it’s reloading. The lessons from the first week of fall camp suggest a team that is embracing the challenge of transition while holding itself to a standard of excellence. There’s hunger in the locker room, discipline on the practice field, and clarity from the coaching staff. From Milroe’s growth and the fierce competition in the trenches to a new defensive mindset and a revitalized culture, the Crimson Tide are positioning themselves as a serious contender in 2025. No one is declaring a national title just yet, but it’s clear Alabama is not backing down from the lofty expectations that come with wearing the Crimson jersey.
