Alabama Depth Chart 2025: Projecting Starters on Offense After Transfer Portal Closed
With the 2025 spring transfer portal window officially closed, the Alabama Crimson Tide enter the next phase of offseason preparation with a clearer vision of what their offense will look like heading into summer workouts and fall camp. Under the direction of second-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s offensive system is shifting from the power-ground attack of the Nick Saban era to a more dynamic, vertical, and spread-oriented scheme built around tempo and quarterback efficiency.
This spring has been all about transition—navigating high-profile transfers, developing young talent, and installing a new system. With roster attrition now stabilized and most major moves finalized, it’s time to take a comprehensive look at Alabama’s projected offensive depth chart heading into the 2025 season.
From quarterback battles to reshuffled offensive line groups, this article provides a position-by-position breakdown of projected starters and key contributors on the offensive side of the ball, while offering analysis on how spring developments and the transfer portal shaped the roster.
Quarterback
Starter: Jalen Milroe (Senior)
- 2024 Stats: 2,875 passing yards, 26 TDs, 7 INTs; 705 rushing yards, 10 TDs
There’s no mystery here—Jalen Milroe returns as the leader of the Alabama offense. His evolution from inconsistent thrower to dynamic dual-threat star in 2024 turned heads across the country. While some speculated that Milroe might explore the NFL Draft after a strong junior season, his decision to return gives Alabama a steady hand under center and a legitimate Heisman contender.
In spring camp, Milroe showed a deeper command of Grubb’s system, particularly in the short and intermediate passing game. His ability to extend plays with his legs remains his biggest weapon, but Grubb is working to build an offense that doesn’t require Milroe to take as many hits.
Backup: Logan Smothers (Senior Transfer, UAB)
Smothers arrives via the portal with starting experience and similar dual-threat traits. He provides insurance in case of injury and brings veteran leadership to the QB room.
Third String: Julian Lewis (Freshman)
The five-star reclassified phenom enrolled early and turned heads during spring practice. While he won’t start in 2025, he’s being groomed as the quarterback of the future.
Running Back
Starter: Justice Haynes (Sophomore)
- 2024 Stats: 735 rushing yards, 6 TDs; 21 receptions, 184 yards
Haynes is ready to take the lead role following Jamarion Miller’s transfer to TCU. A complete back with elite vision, burst, and pass-catching ability, Haynes looks tailor-made for the DeBoer/Grubb scheme. His ability to contribute on all three downs gives Alabama a major weapon out of the backfield.
No. 2: Jam Miller (Junior)
Miller will share some of the load as part of a 1-2 punch. He brings more power and downhill explosiveness and is expected to get goal-line and short-yardage work.
Wildcard: Daniel Hill (Freshman)
Hill enrolled early and turned in a strong spring. Don’t be surprised if he carves out a rotational role, especially as the season progresses.
Wide Receiver
This is the position group most affected by the transfer portal. Alabama lost Isaiah Bond (Texas), Kobe Prentice (Louisville), and Shazz Preston (Tulane), but added talent through both the portal and the freshman class. New WR coach JaMarcus Shephard (who followed Grubb from Washington) is rebuilding the unit around speed, route-running, and aggression.
WR1 (Z Position): Javon Baker (Senior Transfer, UCF)
- 2024 Stats at UCF: 61 receptions, 943 yards, 9 TDs
Baker returns to Alabama after a successful stint at UCF. He’s become a reliable, physical boundary receiver and is expected to lead this group with maturity and production. His experience and size make him the primary outside option.
WR2 (X Position): Jalen Hale (Sophomore)
- 2024 Stats: 16 receptions, 272 yards, 2 TDs
Hale has flashed potential but needs consistency. With Bond and Prentice gone, he steps into a starting role where he’ll be tasked with stretching the field and making contested catches.
Slot (H Position): Ryan Williams (Freshman)
The crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class, Williams has superstar potential. His speed and agility were on full display in spring scrimmages. Expect him to be a day-one starter in the slot and a key weapon in motion packages.
Rotational Options:
- Malik Benson (Senior) – Veteran presence with deep speed.
- Cole Adams (Sophomore) – Shifty receiver who could see reps in the slot.
- Jaren Hamilton (Redshirt Freshman) – A name to watch as a developmental deep threat.
Tight End
Starter: CJ Dippre (Senior)
- 2024 Stats: 19 receptions, 230 yards, 2 TDs
With Amari Niblack transferring to Florida, Dippre becomes the undisputed TE1. He’s a solid blocker and capable receiver, but this offense isn’t expected to heavily feature tight ends in the passing game. Dippre’s primary role will be in protection and run blocking.
Backup: Ty Lockwood (Sophomore)
Still developing, Lockwood adds size and potential. Expect him to rotate in two-TE sets or short-yardage packages.
Offensive Line
One of the biggest question marks heading into the spring, the offensive line saw both losses and gains via the portal. With former starter Elijah Pritchett transferring to Ole Miss, and Tyler Booker returning via the portal from Miami, Alabama’s OL is a reshuffled but promising group.
Left Tackle: Kadyn Proctor (Sophomore)
Proctor’s return after a brief flirtation with the portal is a massive win. He struggled early as a freshman but improved late in the year. He now anchors the blind side with elite size and athleticism.
Left Guard: Tyler Booker (Junior Transfer, Miami)
A familiar face returns after one year away. Booker is a mauler in the run game and brings toughness and SEC experience. His return stabilizes the interior.
Center: James Brockermeyer (Senior)
The most experienced center on the roster. Not flashy, but dependable. Coaches trust his ability to make line calls and anchor the middle.
Right Guard: Terrence Ferguson II (Senior)
Ferguson had a strong spring and earned praise from OL coach Scott Huff. He’s a physical run blocker and will be counted on for leadership.
Right Tackle: Miles McVay (Sophomore)
A rising star who emerged during spring camp. McVay has massive upside and the frame to dominate SEC edge rushers. He beat out redshirt freshman Wilkin Formby for the job.
Depth Chart:
- Wilkin Formby (R-Fr.) – Competing at both tackle spots.
- Olaus Alinen (R-Fr.) – Interior option, still developing.
- Peyton Kirkland (Sophomore) – Another rotational piece likely to see time.
Projected Starting Offense (Base Formation: 11 Personnel)
| Position | Player | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Jalen Milroe | Senior | Dual-threat star, team leader |
| RB | Justice Haynes | Sophomore | Explosive three-down back |
| WR (X) | Jalen Hale | Sophomore | Breakout candidate |
| WR (Z) | Javon Baker | Senior | Physical and reliable |
| WR (H) | Ryan Williams | Freshman | Future superstar |
| TE | CJ Dippre | Senior | Steady blocker, safety valve |
| LT | Kadyn Proctor | Sophomore | Anchor of the OL |
| LG | Tyler Booker | Junior | Physical presence |
| C | James Brockermeyer | Senior | Smart and consistent |
| RG | Terrence Ferguson II | Senior | Run-game enforcer |
| RT | Miles McVay | Sophomore | High-upside protector |
Offensive Philosophy Shift Under Grubb
Under Ryan Grubb, Alabama is transitioning to a pro-style spread offense with heavy RPO elements and vertical passing concepts. While the Tide will still run the ball effectively, especially with Haynes and Miller, the emphasis is on quarterback rhythm, spacing, and exploiting mismatches.
Expect more tempo, pre-snap motion, and fewer predictable run formations. Milroe’s deep ball, once underutilized, is now central to the scheme. The offensive line is being coached to protect longer and adapt to quicker interior pulls and outside zone runs.
Biggest Questions Heading Into Fall
1. Will the young receivers step up?
With so many veterans gone, Alabama is depending on youth. Williams and Hale must produce from Week 1.
2. Can Milroe continue to develop as a passer?
He’s improved, but decision-making under pressure and accuracy on short throws are still works in progress.
3. How quickly can the line gel?
The talent is there, but chemistry and communication will be tested early, especially against tough SEC defenses.
4. Is there enough tight end depth?
Dippre is solid, but there’s a steep drop-off behind him. Injuries could become a concern.
While Alabama’s offensive depth chart has undergone significant changes due to the transfer portal and the coaching overhaul, the 2025 Crimson Tide offense is positioned to be one of the more explosive units in the SEC. Milroe’s return gives the group a legitimate playmaker at quarterback, while Haynes and Williams offer explosive options at key skill positions.
The offensive line is deeper than many expected, and the infusion of portal veterans like Javon Baker and Tyler Booker has stabilized what could have been a chaotic transition. The new system under Ryan Grubb is designed to maximize talent and space, and early signs from spring practice indicate the players are adapting well.
The question isn’t whether Alabama will be good offensively—it’s whether they’ll be great. With the tools in place and the portal phase concluded, all eyes now turn to fall camp and a Week 1 showdown that will offer the first real look at the DeBoer-era Crimson Tide offense in action.
