The Alabama Crimson Tide enter the 2025 college football season ranked No. 8 in the nation, a position that reflects both respect for the program’s enduring tradition and recognition of the challenges it faces in the post-Nick Saban era. Now in his second season at the helm, head coach Kalen DeBoer carries the responsibility of restoring Alabama to the very top of the sport. For a program accustomed to national championships and dominance, anything less than playoff contention feels like unfamiliar territory.
DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa with a sterling reputation as a program builder and offensive innovator, and year one provided a solid foundation. Alabama finished with 11 wins, showcasing flashes of brilliance on offense while working through growing pains in key areas. But in the hypercompetitive SEC, a good year is never enough. Alabama’s standards are measured by titles, and that’s the challenge facing DeBoer as he enters year two with a roster that blends veteran leadership and emerging young talent.
The preseason ranking at No. 8 signals two things: national observers believe Alabama still belongs in the upper tier of the sport, but the Crimson Tide are no longer considered automatic top-three favorites. That positioning could serve as fuel in the locker room, with DeBoer using it as motivation for his players to prove they still belong in the conversation with the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas.
On the field, the Tide’s offense will once again be guided by coordinator Ryan Grubb, whose system emphasizes tempo, precision, and versatility. Quarterback play will be essential, and the development of Alabama’s passing game could determine whether the team breaks back into the top four. The injury to star running back Jam Miller during preseason camp was a setback, but his expected return by SEC play should stabilize the backfield. In the meantime, younger runners like Daniel Hill will have an opportunity to showcase their ability in the early weeks.
Defensively, Alabama has been encouraged by steady improvement throughout fall camp. Freshman cornerback Dijon Lee has emerged as a player to watch, earning first-team reps and demonstrating that the secondary could become a strength. The front seven remains athletic and deep, capable of applying pressure in ways that could tilt close games. Still, the biggest question marks lie in special teams, where the Tide must replace a proven punter, kicker, and long snapper all at once. That level of turnover is unusual even for a program as deep as Alabama, and DeBoer knows consistency in the kicking game could make or break tight SEC battles.
Ultimately, Alabama’s climb back to the very top will depend on how quickly the new pieces mesh and whether the team can handle the weight of expectations. At No. 8, the Tide are close enough to control their destiny. Every season is judged by championships in Tuscaloosa, and DeBoer’s challenge is to prove that Alabama football can remain elite under his leadership. The road back won’t be easy, but with a blend of talent, tradition, and renewed hunger, Alabama is firmly positioned to make a push toward reclaiming its spot at the pinnacle of college
football.
