Alabama football is excluded from the final top 25 coaches poll by five coaches.
The exclusion of Alabama football from the final Top 25 Coaches Poll by five coaches at the conclusion of the 2025 college football season is a monumental development that has sent shockwaves through the sport. For a program with the stature and legacy of Alabama—one that has been synonymous with success under Nick Saban and remains one of the most prestigious programs in the history of college football—this exclusion raises a host of questions about the state of the team, the perception of their season, and the future direction of Alabama football under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer.
The Crimson Tide’s absence from the final Top 25 poll is not just a footnote in an otherwise successful season. Instead, it represents a deeper commentary on the changing dynamics in college football, the competitive landscape of the SEC, and, perhaps most crucially, Alabama’s struggles in a post-Saban era. With five coaches voicing enough skepticism about Alabama’s season to leave them out of the Coaches Poll’s rankings entirely, it’s clear that the program is facing significant challenges.
In this analysis, we will break down the reasons behind Alabama’s exclusion, explore the broader implications of this decision, and consider what it means for the future of both the program and its new head coach, Kalen DeBoer. What are the factors that led to this omission? How does this reflect the state of college football in the SEC? And, ultimately, what does this mean for the legacy of Alabama football?
Alabama’s Exclusion from the Final Top 25 Coaches Poll
The Coaches Poll is one of the most influential rankings in college football. Unlike other rankings, which are compiled by media members, the Coaches Poll is voted on by a panel of active FBS head coaches. These coaches are given the task of evaluating teams based on performance, consistency, and their overall standing within the landscape of college football. The final Coaches Poll has always held significant weight, influencing the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, bowl selection, and national perception.
For Alabama to be excluded from this poll, even in a season where they finished No. 12 in the official College Football Playoff rankings, is unprecedented. While Alabama has not been immune to down seasons in the past, such a snub reflects a more significant shift in how the program is being perceived by its peers. Five coaches, who presumably represent both those who compete directly with Alabama as well as those who admire the program from afar, saw fit to leave them out of their rankings entirely. The reasons behind this exclusion speak to multiple issues facing the Alabama football team under DeBoer’s leadership.
Key Factors Leading to Alabama’s Exclusion
Several factors contributed to Alabama’s exclusion from the final Coaches Poll, with these elements intertwining to create a picture of a program in flux. Here are some of the primary reasons why Alabama found itself on the outside looking in:
1. Underperformance in Key Games
One of the most glaring issues for Alabama in 2025 was its inability to perform consistently in big games. Despite having a talented roster and being ranked at various points during the season, Alabama suffered several disappointing losses that severely impacted their standing.
In particular, Alabama was defeated by key rivals, including Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee—all teams that finished the season with a higher ranking. The loss to Georgia, while not surprising given the Bulldogs’ dominance in recent years, was emblematic of Alabama’s struggles to keep pace with the SEC’s elite. Likewise, Alabama’s loss to LSU showcased an inability to close out crucial games, and the Tennessee loss highlighted Alabama’s ongoing struggles to establish offensive consistency.
Alabama’s defeat in these high-stakes matchups raised serious questions about their preparedness and ability to compete with the top teams in the nation. The inability to close out games and show resilience in the face of adversity ultimately led many coaches to believe that Alabama did not belong in the final Top 25 rankings. For many coaches, performance in high-profile games carries significant weight, and Alabama’s inability to perform in these situations left them vulnerable to being excluded from the poll.
2. Offensive Inconsistencies Under DeBoer
Kalen DeBoer, who took over as head coach in 2025, came into the program with a reputation as an offensive innovator. His fast-paced, spread offense was expected to breathe new life into a program that had become known for a more traditional, pro-style attack under Nick Saban. However, the reality of implementing a new offensive system with a young, inconsistent quarterback proved to be much more challenging than anticipated.
While Alabama showed flashes of offensive brilliance, particularly in their wins over mid-tier teams, they struggled mightily against top-tier defenses. Tyler Buchner, the transfer quarterback, never seemed to find his rhythm in DeBoer’s system. His struggles with accuracy and decision-making were a significant problem for the offense, and the lack of a stable quarterback situation contributed to Alabama’s offensive woes.
The offensive line, which had been a hallmark of Alabama’s success in previous years, also underperformed. The lack of protection for Buchner and a lack of push in the running game left Alabama’s offense stagnant. The inability to establish a consistent offensive identity was one of the key reasons why Alabama was excluded from the final Coaches Poll. Coaches voting in the poll were likely unimpressed by the inconsistency of Alabama’s offense, especially considering the high expectations surrounding the team at the beginning of the season.
3. Defensive Decline
Although Alabama’s defense remained formidable for much of the season, it also showed signs of vulnerability, especially in key moments. Historically, Alabama has been known for having one of the most suffocating defenses in college football, with players routinely getting drafted into the NFL after successful seasons with the Crimson Tide. However, in 2025, Alabama’s defense was often exposed by high-powered offenses and explosive playmakers, particularly against teams like Georgia and LSU.
There was a noticeable decline in Alabama’s ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback when it mattered most. Against LSU and Tennessee, the defense was unable to slow down opposing offenses during critical stretches, allowing them to score at will in high-pressure moments. This was a stark contrast to the usual dominant Alabama defense that was able to control games with suffocating pressure and fundamental discipline.
While Alabama’s defense wasn’t a complete disaster, the lack of defensive dominance in comparison to previous seasons played a role in their exclusion from the Coaches Poll. Coaches likely saw Alabama as a team that lacked the defensive consistency required to be ranked among the nation’s elite.
4. The Decline of the Alabama “Brand”
Perhaps the most significant underlying factor for Alabama’s exclusion from the final Coaches Poll is the shift in perception surrounding the program. Under Nick Saban, Alabama became the gold standard of college football, with an unmatched culture of success. Saban’s departure marked the end of an era, and while the program remains storied and successful, the transition to a new head coach in Kalen DeBoer has not been seamless.
DeBoer’s first year has been marred by growing pains, from recruiting issues to inconsistent play on the field. While there are certainly talented players on the roster, the program has yet to find its footing in the post-Saban era. Coaches who voted in the poll likely recognized this shift in the Alabama “brand,” seeing a team that, while still talented, did not live up to its once-unassailable reputation. Alabama’s exclusion may reflect the uncertainty surrounding their ability to return to dominance under a new coach, especially in a time when teams like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee are emerging as consistent national contenders.
The Larger Implications of Alabama’s Exclusion
The decision by five coaches to leave Alabama out of the final Coaches Poll has far-reaching implications for both the program and college football at large. The most immediate impact is on Alabama’s recruiting and national perception. As one of the most high-profile programs in the nation, Alabama’s absence from the rankings raises questions about their ability to attract top-tier recruits. While Alabama will likely continue to recruit at a high level, this season’s struggles could have a longer-term effect on the program’s appeal.
Additionally, the exclusion of Alabama from the Coaches Poll underscores the growing parity in college football. Teams that were once considered traditional powerhouses are now facing increased competition from programs like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee. As the SEC becomes more competitive, the margin for error for teams like Alabama becomes thinner. This season’s exclusion serves as a wake-up call for Alabama, signaling that the program must evolve and adapt in order to remain relevant on the national stage.
For Kalen DeBoer, the exclusion is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s clear that the program is under intense scrutiny, and the road ahead will require significant adjustments. The pressure is now squarely on DeBoer to restore Alabama to its former glory, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
A Crossroads for Alabama Football
Alabama’s exclusion from the final Coaches Poll by five coaches is a major turning point for the program. It represents both a reflection of their struggles in 2025 and a statement from the coaching community about their current standing in college football. While Alabama remains a prestigious program, the days of unquestioned dominance are over—at least for now. Kalen DeBoer’s task is to rebuild the program, reinvigorate its identity, and restore its place among the nation’s elite teams. The next few seasons will be critical for Alabama football, and the pressure to succeed is only growing stronger.
