With the youth in the secondary and all the injuries this season to go along with a first-year coach installing a brand new system, it's hard not to be impressed with the level of play Kane Wommack was able to get out of the Alabama defense in his first year as the defensive coordinator.
A lot of Alabama fans developed negative feelings about him from a one-off afternoon in a loss to Vanderbilt, but the truth of that game is the defense made halftime adjustments and played much better in the final 30 minutes than they did the first 30. The same is true against Oklahoma, but they were let down by inept offensive football that never gave them a chance.
Alabama finished the 2024 season ranked No. 10 in the country in yards per play defense. When you factor in season-ending injuries to the likes of Keon Sabb and Que Robinson, as well as the sheer number of underclassmen that got snaps in the secondary, it's an impressive feat.
Alabama's defense was more than good enough for this to be a playoff team and a true national title contender. Unfortunately, they were let down by an offense that took a step backward in 2024 despite an offensive-minded head coach having the reigns in Tuscaloosa.
The microscope will be on the offense, and in particular, it will be on the quarterback. But the defense could be even better in 2025, and perhaps the single best in college football.
Alabama took a step toward being that on Wednesday when LT Overton surprisingly announced he would be returning to the Crimson Tide for his senior season. Many expected the talented Texas A&M transfer to enter the draft as a projected second-round pick. Instead, he'll return to Alabama as he looks to improve his finishing ability. He led the Crimson Tide in quarterback pressures and was one of the best defensive linemen in the country in pressure rate; he just struggled to finish plays and get the quarterback to the ground once he got into the backfield. If he can improve in that area, he might be an All-American next season.
Alabama added Kelby Collins from Florida in the Transfer Portal to play Bandit, too. Jah-Marien Latham still has a decision to make on his future, and Keon Keeley started seeing real snaps in the bowl game. Alabama will be extremely deep at Bandit next season regardless of what Latham decides.
Tim Keenan returning would solidify Alabama's defensive line. James Smith came on strong near the end of the season and could be one of the best defensive tackles in the country in 2025.
Alabama should be deep at LB, too, even if it loses both Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson. The NCAA's ruling on JUCO players will allow Justin Jefferson an extra year of eligibility, something it appears he is set to take advantage of. Alabama added Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green in the Transfer Portal and returns talented younger players like Justin Okoronkwo, who seems ready for a bigger role.
Alabama's youth in the secondary this season should be a source of strength next year. Getting Domani Jackson back will be huge, but even if he goes pro Alabama has a lot of talent at corner, headlined by rising sophomore Zabien Brown and Utah transfer Cameron Calhoun. With Sabb and Bray Hubbard returning at safety, along with Zay Mincey, who impressed in his first start in the bowl game, Alabama has plenty of depth on the back end.
Obviously, there are still some big NFL Draft decisions that will play a big role, but Crimson Tide fans should be excited about what this defense might look like next season. Year two under Wommack's leadership will likely yield even better results, and Alabama might have the nation's best defense in 2025.