The 2020 season was a magical one for Alabama fans, with an undefeated national championship as Alabama saw several players bring home major awards, including the 2020 Heisman Trophy by wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Alabama was a perfect 13-0 amid an international pandemic and an all-SEC football schedule, culminating in the 18th national championship in Alabama football history, as well as the final national championship of Nick Saban's legendary coaching career.

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Take your mind back to the offseason prior to the 2020 season. Alabama was replacing one of the best quarterbacks in program history, along with a senior-led skill position group with DeVonta Smith and Najee Harris returning for their senior seasons. The Alabama offensive line saw major contributions from a second-year transfer center and a veteran at left tackle.

Defensively, Alabama saw the return of veteran linebackers who were the catalyst of the defense a season prior and the return of experienced defensive backs who could be categorized as "ball hawks" in the defensive backfield. Alabama also returned two coordinators that people were questioning during the previous season - a season that saw Alabama lose multiple regular season games and just miss out on playing in the College Football Playoffs.

How similar is the 2020 offseason to the 2025 offseason? There might be more than you think.

2020 Offseason

Alabama was replacing its starting quarterback from 2019, Tua Tagovailoa. The Crimson Tide missed the College Football Playoffs in 2019. Alabama signed Bryce Young, a five-star quarterback from California. Many thought Young would eventually take the starting job away from incumbent quarterback Mac Jones, who finished out the 2019 season for Alabama after Tagovailoa's injury.

In addition to the starting quarterback job, Alabama was returning several veterans to the team. Najee Harris - a senior running back - was returning to Alabama for his final season after forgoing the NFL draft in 2019. In addition to Harris, Alabama returned two wide receivers who had started the year before: DeVonta Smith (who took over as Alabama's leading wideout) and Jaylen Waddle, who saw an increased role in the offense in 2019.

Along the offensive line, Alabama was returning its left tackle and a transfer center from 2019, while introducing new starters at left guard and right tackle.

Defensively, Alabama returned several key starters, including Patrick Surtain II, Josh Jobe, and Jordan Battle in the secondary for a defense that faced several questions the year prior.

In the front seven, Alabama saw the return of veteran edge rusher Christopher Allen and more development from second-year starter Christian Harris. It also returned Dylan Moses from a season-ending injury he suffered in 2019.

The coaching staff saw the return of two coordinators, many of whom questioned heading into the 2020 season - Steve Sarkisian on offense and Pete Golding on defense.

During the 2020 season, Mac Jones was able to hold off the high-expectation true freshman in Bryce Young, leading Alabama to an undefeated national championship in a season where many questioned if Nick Saban and Alabama still could compete for national titles.

2025 Offseason

Alabama will be replacing its starting quarterback from 2024 - with Ty Simpson expected to step in for Jalen Milroe. The Crimson Tide missed the College Football Playoffs in 2024. Incumbent quarterback Ty Simpson will try to hold off true freshman superstar Keelon Russell, a five-star quarterback from Texas. Many pundits and fans believe Russell will push Simpson for the starting job, potentially outright winning it over the incumbent quarterback.

Offensively, Alabama will return several key veterans from last year's team - Jam Miller is returning for his senior season at Alabama after foregoing the NFL draft. Alabama is also returning two starting receivers from 2024 - Ryan Williams (who led the team in yards and touchdowns) and Germie Bernard (who led the team in receptions). Both players will be expected to step up as veteran leaders and voices in the Alabama offense.

Along the offensive line, Alabama is returning its left tackle from the previous two seasons, in addition to a transfer center who started all 13 games for Alabama in 2024. Alabama will look to replace starters at left guard and right tackle after the departures of Tyler Booker and Elijah Pritchett - the former to the NFL and the latter to the transfer portal.

Defensively, Alabama is returning several key starters in the secondary, including cornerbacks Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown and safeties Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard. Alabama is also introducing a pair of highly touted true freshmen in Dijon Lee and Chuck McDonald.

In the front seven, Alabama is returning LT Overton and Qua Russaw - veteran edge players who developed impressively as the 2024 season transpired.

Alabama is also returning two defensive linemen who are expected to take big leaps in development in 2025 - Tim Keenan III and James Smith.

In the linebacking room, Alabama brought in transfer Nikhai Hill-Green and is returning Justin Jefferson alongside Deontae Lawson - who suffered a season-ending injury in the 2024 season.

The coaching staff is also returning two coordinators whom many questioned last season - Kane Wommack for the defensive side of the ball and Ryan Grubb offensively. Grubb left Alabama after just three weeks as the offensive coordinator but returned to Tuscaloosa to run Kalen DeBoer's offense.

Many people are currently questioning if DeBoer was the right hire and if Alabama can still compete for a national championship.

While it is harder than ever to go undefeated in college football, a national championship in year two under Kalen DeBoer would silence the doubters and lock in Alabama as a perennial title contender under the new regime.

Can the Crimson Tide replicate the magic from its 2020 national championship season? That question is yet to be answered, but we will find out quickly if this year's Alabama team can win a national title - or if Alabama is once again on the verge of a 9-4 season.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.

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