Alabama’s starting lineup is going through a transition period. The national champions returned just 10 starters from last season, after all.

According to college football analyst Phil Steele, that ties Alabama with several other teams for No. 105 in the country. They’re also tied with LSU for fewest returning starters in the SEC.

The defense took the biggest hit (only 3 starters back), but there are a couple of players on offense who could lose their job in 2018.

Here are 5 position battles to keep an eye on as the season approaches, starting with the one everybody is talking about, including last year’s starter ….

QB: Jalen Hurts vs. Tua Tagovailoa

Skinny: This showdown has been brewing since Tagovailoa replaced Hurts and engineered the championship-winning comeback against Georgia.

Hurts has the advantage in experience (26-2 as a starter), but Tagovailoa has a higher ceiling as a pure passer.

Alabama has a deep group of pass catchers, and they’ll be looking for a quarterback who can use the wide variety of skill sets. For all of his strengths, Hurts still struggles when his first read isn’t there and he’s forced to work through his progressions. Typically, that results in a tuck-and-run. It’s a hindrance that has crippled the offense at times against stout run-stuffing defenses, which is why Tagovailoa seems like the obvious choice.

Hurts’ recent comments don’t help his chances of winning the job, either.

Who wins? Tagovailoa.

NT: Quinnen Williams vs. Johnny Dwight

Skinny: One of the biggest question marks surrounding Alabama’s defense is the massive hole left behind by starting nose tackle Da’Ron Payne. The Washington Redskins’ first-round draft pick dominated the Playoff last season, but he was an impactful player throughout his career.

Quinnen Williams spent the offseason putting on mass as he kicks further inside. The team’s latest roster has him listed at 289 pounds, which is almost 25 pounds more (265) than he weighed when he got to Tuscaloosa.

The only thing that Williams has left to answer is whether he can hold up as a 0-technique in the base defense. He’ll see reps there, but replacing Payne could be a group effort.

Dwight will see snaps, and so will Tevita Musika and Phidarian Mathis.

Who wins? A mix of Williams, Dwight, Musika and Mathis.

RT: Matt Womack vs. Alex Leatherwood

Skinny: It’s possible that neither starts at right tackle. Sophomore Jedrick Wills is still seeing reps at that position, but right guard still seems like the most likely spot for him long term.

Womack started every game last season at right tackle. He’s a steady run blocker, but his inconsistency protecting the quarterback is a major issue.

If Tagovailoa starts, that would also put Womack on the quarterback’s blind side — a less-than-ideal situation. That’s why Leatherwood is the most logical choice. The 6-6, 304-pound sophomore brings a balanced skill set to the table. He can create movement in the run game and provide effective pass protection.

Who wins? Leatherwood.

CB: Patrick Surtain Jr. vs. Trevon Diggs/Shyheim Carter

Skinny: Patrick Surtain Jr. was one of Alabama’s top commitments in the 2018 class. He was the top cornerback prospect and the nation’s No. 6 overall player.

In other words, it’s going to be hard to keep him off the field.

With the comparisons to former Alabama standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Star position seemed like a perfect fit in Year 1. But junior defensive back Shyheim Carter has performed exceptionally well at that spot so far in camp.

Surtain Jr. will see plenty of action, but it’s looking like Diggs, Carter and Saivion Smith will be the top three options at cornerback to start the year.

Who wins? Diggs/Carter.

K: Joseph Bulovas vs. Austin Jones

Skinny: Alabama’s kicking game has been its Achilles’ heel for as long as anyone can remember. As good as the Tide have been at virtually every other position, they just can’t seem to get it right at kicker.

The competition between redshirt freshman Joseph Bulovas and Temple grad transfer Austin Jones will be one of the more underrated position battles in fall camp.

Bulovas seems to have the upper hand. He handled all of the kicking duties in the spring, and his 5-for-7 performance — with a long of 49 yards — in the spring game helped earn him a share of MVP honors.

Jones shouldn’t be counted out just yet, though. He only converted 74.6 percent of his kicks (50-of-67) while at Temple, but he did make 19 consecutive field goals in 2016.

With that said, Bulovas should still be considered the favorite.

Who wins? Bulovas.