Alabama Football Summer Report: Will the Crimson Tide Take the Next Step with Its Defensive Line in 2025?
As the Alabama Crimson Tide gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on the defensive line—a unit that could be the key to returning to national championship contention under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
In 2024, the Tide’s defensive front showed flashes of dominance but lacked consistency in high-pressure moments. Now, with a full offseason under DeBoer’s revamped strength program and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s aggressive scheme, expectations are sky-high for a breakthrough performance in the trenches.
Leading the charge is Tim Keenan III, who emerged last season as a true anchor on the interior. His power and gap control made him one of the most improved players on the roster. Flanking him is rising star Damon Payne Jr., who has bulked up over the summer and is poised to take on a greater role as a disruptor.
Perhaps the biggest wildcard is true sophomore Jeremiah Beaman, a former five-star recruit who has turned heads in summer workouts. Coaches have praised his explosiveness and versatility, hinting that he could be a game-changer in multiple alignments.
Depth will also be a strength. Veterans like Jah-Marien Latham and Monkel Goodwine provide rotation stability, while new freshman additions from Alabama’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class bring raw athleticism and upside.
Improving the pass rush and controlling the 
line of scrimmage against elite SEC offenses will be crucial. If this defensive line can take that next step—turning pressure into sacks and run stops into turnovers—the Crimson Tide defense could re-establish itself as one of the most feared in college football.
2025 could be the year the Tide’s front becomes the foundation of a title run once again. #RollTide #BuiltByBama
