What will Alabama football look like in 2024? Examining the roster
PASADENA, California − In between frustration with how the Rose Bowl finished and sadness with the season ending in the CFP semifinals, several Alabama football players expressed a desire to get back to work.
"Next year," defensive tackle Tim Keenan III said. "Next year is going to be back to the drawing board. We’ve got to work even harder."
The main question now is, who will be at that drawing board?
The transfer portal and, ultimately, NIL have made certainty about next year's roster difficult. But even with possible departure curveballs and additions via the portal/recruiting, a general sense of the next season's roster can be determined.
Here's an early look at what the offense, defense and special teams could look like for the Crimson Tide in 2024.
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Offense
Let's start with quarterback. Jalen Milroe announced he's coming back and will likely be a Heisman Trophy favorite. The interesting element will be seeing who will be in that room with him. It's crowded. As of Monday night, Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan, Eli Holstein and five-star signee Julian Sayin are set to be on the roster, but that will likely change.
At running back, it figures to be a deep group again. Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams are both seniors, but they could come back for another year. Behind them are Justice Haynes, who flashed in the Rose Bowl, Jam Miller and Richard Young. There could be some shakeup, though; four-star Kevin Riley signed as part of the 2024 class. That's a lot of guys at one spot if they all stay. Already, the backfield felt crowded this season.
The wide receiver corps all have eligibility remaining if they choose to use it. But it also is possible a guy like Jermaine Burton could head to the NFL. Players such as Isaiah Bond, Malik Benson, Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice and Jalen Hale have options. Seeing a few enter the portal wouldn't be all that surprising, considering the addition of freshman signees. That should include Ryan Williams, who's committed to Alabama and has announced he will make his decision in February.
At tight end, CJ Dippre, Robbie Ouzts and Amari Niblack all have eligibility. All have been effective this season for Alabama in different ways.
On the offensive line, there figures to be some shakeup. It's likely JC Latham heads to the NFL, leaving an opening at right tackle. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor figures to be back, as do guards Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts. The biggest question remains at center. Seth McLaughlin has eligibility, but it could be best for the two sides to part. At the right tackle spot, Elijah Pritchett will be a candidate after seeing some time at left tackle this season. Alabama, however, is bringing in Texas A&M offensive tackle Naquil Betrand, who could fit well there.
Defense
Alabama can return all of its defensive linemen. All have eligibility remaining, even defensive end Justin Eboigbe. Plus, Alabama is adding Texas A&M defensive lineman LT Overton from the transfer portal.
Bigger changes figure to be at linebacker. Dallas Turner said after the Rose Bowl that it was his last game with Alabama. Chris Braswell could follow him to the NFL after his fourth season. That means at least one, if not two, edge positions would be open. Quandarrius Robinson figures to have a good shot at filling one. Alabama also is set to Keon Keeley, Yhonzae Pierre and Qua Russaw back, but they're all young and inexperienced, meaning the Tide could add an edge defender via the transfer portal still. On the inside, Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell are set. Lawson could go to the NFL, but he was dinged up at times and probably would benefit from at least one more season. If both are back, that gives Alabama a solid foundation.
The secondary figures to experience the greatest shakeup. Cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold both have a shot at being first-round NFL Draft picks if they declare, and both would probably be smart to depart for the NFL after strong seasons. That would leave both corner positions open. Trey Amos is in a good spot to fill one of them, having been the top reserve in the secondary in 2023. USC corner Domani Jackson is transferring in, plus Alabama has young talent like Dezz Ricks, Earl Little Jr. and Antonio Kite.
At safety, Jaylen Key has used up his eligibility, leaving one safety spot open. Caleb Downs could be joined by a player like DeVonta Smith, who was banged up for a portion of 2023. There should be decent competition there.
Senior Malachi Moore was noncommittal about his future when he spoke after the Rose Bowl. He would be a good piece to have back as a permanent captain and a leader in the secondary. Secondary coach Travaris Robinson told The Tuscaloosa News that Moore is "the smartest guy on the team." But he could leave for the NFL.
Special teams
Alabama will have to find a new kicker, as the NCAA's all-time leading point-scorer Will Reichard ended his collegiate career in Pasadena. Conor Talty has a good shot to replace him.
Punter James Burnip has eligibility remaining, though. He posted to social media "Love my brothers, back to work" after the Rose Bowl.
Long snapper Kneeland Hibbett is a junior, so he will likely be back.
Nick Kelly is the Alabama beat writer for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network, and he covers Alabama football and men's basketball. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football 2024 roster: Who will be back?
