The ‘fair’ No. 17 rating does not sit well with Alabama football supporters.

Alabama football has long been one of the most dominant programs in college football, a team synonymous with excellence, championships, and a relentless drive to stay at the top. Head coach Nick Saban has built a legacy of sustained success, making Alabama a perennial contender for the national championship year after year. However, when Alabama received a No. 17 ranking in the preseason polls, many fans were left confused, frustrated, and feeling that the ranking was a slight against the program’s storied history and its ability to compete at the highest level.

Alabama’s fans have grown accustomed to their team being ranked near the top, if not at the very top, of the college football rankings. Whether it’s the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings or the Coaches Poll, the Crimson Tide’s name is usually mentioned as one of the top contenders for national honors. So, when the 2025 preseason polls placed Alabama at No. 17, it felt like an anomaly. A program that has won multiple national titles under Saban, consistently churned out NFL talent, and maintained dominance within the SEC for over a decade was suddenly being pegged as a second-tier team—at least according to the voters.

This ranking raised eyebrows, sparked heated debates, and left many Alabama fans wondering why their team was seemingly being discounted in favor of other programs. The question on everyone’s mind: How could a team with such a rich football history and a stable, successful program receive such a relatively low preseason ranking?

In this article, we will examine the reasons why Alabama’s No. 17 ranking is causing such a stir among fans, explore the reasons behind the ranking, and consider whether Alabama is truly on the decline or if the preseason ranking is simply a reflection of external factors that could change over the course of the season.

The High Expectations of Alabama Football Fans

One of the defining characteristics of Alabama football is the exceedingly high expectations set by both the program and its fanbase. The Crimson Tide have become the gold standard for college football, and Saban’s leadership has made Alabama synonymous with winning. With numerous national championships under their belt, Alabama football fans have come to expect nothing less than a team that is in contention for the College Football Playoff and, ultimately, a national title.

The bar has been set so high that any ranking outside the top 5 is often met with disappointment. The Crimson Tide are accustomed to being in the conversation for the No. 1 spot, and anything less feels like an indication of failure or regression. When the 2025 preseason polls came out, with Alabama sitting at No. 17, it was a shock to many fans who couldn’t fathom the team being ranked so low.

Alabama’s 2024 season wasn’t the typical dominant campaign that fans are used to. Despite finishing the season with a solid record and making it to a New Year’s Six bowl game, the Crimson Tide faced a number of struggles—particularly at the quarterback position. Alabama entered the season with high hopes, but inconsistent play at the most important position on the field held the team back. However, that inconsistency should not overshadow the fact that Alabama is still a program built on elite talent, excellent coaching, and a proven track record of success.

While there is no doubt that Alabama’s roster had some areas of weakness in 2024, such as quarterback play, their fanbase is passionate and loyal. For Alabama supporters, the notion that their program is anything less than a top-tier contender is difficult to accept. The No. 17 ranking seems to imply that Alabama’s place among the nation’s elite has been questioned, and this is not a sentiment that resonates well with the die-hard Crimson Tide faithful.

The Impact of Alabama’s 2024 Season on Their Ranking

One of the primary reasons behind Alabama’s relatively low ranking in the 2025 preseason polls is their performance during the 2024 season. While Alabama finished with a respectable record, they faced several key challenges that raised questions about their standing among the top programs in college football.

Inconsistent Quarterback Play

Perhaps the most glaring issue for Alabama in 2024 was their quarterback situation. The Crimson Tide used multiple quarterbacks throughout the season, including Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and others, as they struggled to find a consistent leader under center. Milroe showed flashes of brilliance but also had his fair share of struggles, while Simpson, despite being highly regarded, was still in the early stages of his development. The lack of stability at quarterback prevented Alabama from truly finding their rhythm on offense, and that inconsistency was noticeable in some of their key games.

Quarterback play is often the defining factor for elite teams, and Alabama’s inability to settle on a starter who could consistently lead them to victory was a factor in their lower ranking. Programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and Michigan, which have solidified their quarterback situations, likely benefited in the rankings as a result.

Struggles Against Top Competition

Another contributing factor to Alabama’s No. 17 ranking was their performance against top-ranked opponents. While the Crimson Tide did pick up some important victories, they were also on the receiving end of some tough losses. Losses to teams like LSU and Tennessee raised concerns about Alabama’s ability to perform at the highest level, especially in critical matchups. Alabama’s struggles against the top teams in the SEC further fueled doubts about their readiness to compete for a national title.

In contrast, teams like Georgia and Michigan, which dominated their conferences and secured high-profile wins, found themselves ranked higher in the preseason polls. Alabama’s lack of dominant performances against top-tier teams in 2024 left a mark on their reputation and ultimately influenced their ranking heading into 2025.

The Growing Competition in College Football

The landscape of college football has shifted over the years, with more teams emerging as legitimate contenders for the top spots. Alabama is no longer the only program that is a perennial powerhouse. Programs like Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and others have made significant strides in recent years, and the overall level of competition has become fiercer.

This increased competition has made it more difficult for teams like Alabama to maintain their hold on the No. 1 spot in the rankings year after year. Programs with talented rosters and dynamic coaching staffs are now challenging Alabama for supremacy, and that reality has played a role in the Crimson Tide’s preseason ranking. While Alabama remains a top-tier program, the emergence of other powerhouses has somewhat diluted the perception of Alabama’s dominance in college football.

The Argument Against the Ranking: Alabama’s Talent and Legacy

Despite the reasons for Alabama’s lower ranking, there are compelling arguments to be made for why the Crimson Tide should still be considered one of the top teams in college football heading into 2025. The team’s history, talent, and coaching prowess cannot be overlooked, and it’s important to remember that rankings are not set in stone—they are fluid and can change over the course of the season.

Recruiting and Talent Depth

One of the most significant reasons why Alabama remains a top contender is their recruiting. Under Nick Saban, Alabama has been able to consistently bring in some of the best talent in the country. The Crimson Tide are loaded with talent at almost every position, including running back, wide receiver, and defensive line. Even though the quarterback situation was a struggle in 2024, the team’s overall talent remains elite.

Alabama’s recruiting classes are among the best in the nation, and the program has a deep pool of talent to choose from. Even if the team faces early-season challenges, the talent is there to make adjustments and improve as the season progresses. With players like linebacker Dallas Turner, defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry, and running back Jase McClellan returning, Alabama’s roster is far from lacking.

Nick Saban’s Coaching Ability

Another reason why the No. 17 ranking is hard for Alabama fans to accept is the fact that the team is still led by Nick Saban, one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Saban has proven time and time again that he knows how to get the best out of his players, adapt to changing circumstances, and guide his team to success. Despite any struggles Alabama may have faced in 2024, Saban has the ability to turn things around and lead the Crimson Tide to success.

Saban’s track record of success, including multiple national championships, is a testament to his ability to build and sustain championship-caliber teams. The preseason rankings may underestimate Alabama’s potential, but with Saban leading the charge, the Crimson Tide are never to be counted out.