Among college football pundits, there is little agreement about the weakest component of the Alabama football team. Some state it is the quarterback position. For others, it is a still questionable ability for Wilkin Formby to block speed rushers. Some cite coaching with Kalen DeBoer needing to prove he can deliver in the SEC, and Kane Wommack is defined as a good, but far from great, Defensive Coordinator.
Those of us who don't agree with those harsh assessments must admit that none of them is devoid of any merit. Ty Simpson has much to prove. Last season's Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan losses raise fair questions about DeBoer. Alabama did not lose to Oklahoma and Michigan because of Wommack's defense, but the inability to handle Vandy's offense is troubling.
Count me among the optimistic Alabama fans who have confidence in DeBoer and Wommack. My expectation is that Ty Simpson will be more than good enough for the Alabama Crimson Tide offense to become a title contender. About Formby, I am hopeful.
Alabama Football Special Teams
There is another area that may trip up the Crimson Tide in close games. It is Special Teams, and specifically, that a new punter, long snapper, and placekicker are unproven. Beyond kickoff duties, Conor Talty's college career has produced four points on four point-after kicks.
Competition will continue in Fall Camp for the punter and long-snapper starter roles. The most likely punter is Blake Doud, though it could be freshman Alex Asparuhov. Doud was solid punting at the DII level in four seasons with the Colorado School of Mines; the last two as a starter. In those two seasons, Doud had 28, 50-plus-yard punts and averaged 46.1 yards. His home games were played at Golden, CO, with an elevation of over 5,600 feet. A football might travel a bit farther in that environment.
The expected long snapper starter is David Bird, who was proficient in two seasons at Cal. Blake Doud is also projected as the holder on field goals and extra points.
Alabama has no shortage of talent in other special teams players. Multiple Crimson Tide returners, including Ryan Williams, Cole Adams, and Jaylen Mbakwe (and others), can excel returning kicks. Consistency from the other specialists will be unproven for at least half of the 2025 season.