After years of dominating the college football landscape, Alabama football enters the 2025 season in an unfamiliar position: as an underdog. For the first time in nearly two decades, the Crimson Tide is not expected to contend for the national championship, with many “way-too-early” Top 25 predictions placing them outside the elite ranks.
Gone is the legendary Nick Saban, the coach who led Alabama to six national championships and established the Tide as the gold standard. In his place is Kalen DeBoer, whose first year was a mix of highs and lows. Alabama’s season included impressive victories over Georgia and LSU but also costly losses to teams like Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. The Tide struggled in bowl season, losing to Michigan despite being heavy favorites.
Despite these setbacks, Alabama remains an intriguing team with vast potential. They finished 2024 with a 9-4 record, and although transfer portal defections have rocked the program, DeBoer is expected to lead a talented squad in 2025. However, the national media has placed Alabama in a position it hasn’t been in for years: as a team with something to prove.
The Tide’s 2025 schedule kicks off with a road game against Florida State, a team looking to bounce back from a disastrous 2-10 season. Although Alabama isn’t playing a top-ranked opponent like they did in 2008 when they silenced critics by dominating Clemson, this game will still be crucial in setting the tone for the season.
While the dynasty may be in a temporary lull, Alabama’s 2024 performance showed they are not far from returning to the top. Their standing as an underdog provides a new narrative—one that will fuel their drive to prove the doubters wrong. The stage is set for a season where the Tide might just surprise the nation once again.