The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2025 college football schedule has left fans, critics, and even neutral observers shaking their heads. While Alabama is known for its dominance in college football and a history of tough schedules, the 2025 out-of-conference matchups seem to be nothing more than a mockery of the team’s supposed competitive spirit. In fact, many fans are calling it a “laughable, soft” slate, one that won’t do much to challenge Nick Saban’s powerhouse squad.
For years, Alabama has built a reputation for taking on some of the toughest non-conference teams, facing off against schools like USC, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin. These matchups have given college football fans something to look forward to, with high-stakes games that are often marquee events. However, 2025’s out-of-conference schedule is drawing heavy criticism for its lack of competition. Instead of high-profile matchups that test the mettle of the Crimson Tide, the team is set to face opponents that don’t come close to the caliber of some of their previous challengers.
This is particularly concerning given Alabama’s position as a perennial national title contender. For a team with championship aspirations, scheduling weaker opponents only raises questions about whether they’re taking the easy route to another SEC crown. Critics argue that these soft non-conference games not only hurt Alabama’s chances to truly prove their dominance but also harm the overall strength of college football. Fans are quick to point out that while Alabama may coast through these games, it won’t do them any favors in terms of playoff positioning or preparing for tough matchups in the postseason.
Alabama’s out-of-conference schedule in 2025 seems like a far cry from the hard-fought games that fans have come to expect. Many wonder if the team is taking a shortcut to avoid injury risks or simply pad their win total. Regardless of the reasons, it’s clear that this schedule doesn’t provide the level of excitement or challenge that fans—and college football—deserve. Whether it’s an oversight or a calculated decision, the 2025 slate is likely to draw plenty of scorn and ridicule as the season approaches.