In USA TODAY Sports’ far too early 2025 CFB Top 25, Alabama came in at number three.

Alabama’s Position at Number Three in USA TODAY Sports’ Far Too Early 2025 College Football Top 25: A Deep Dive

As the final whistles of the 2024 college football season echoed through stadiums across the country, fans, analysts, and coaches alike began to shift their focus to the next season. One of the annual rituals in college football offseason coverage is the release of “far too early” rankings, designed to provide a glimpse into how teams are shaping up for the future. In the USA TODAY Sports’ Far Too Early 2025 College Football Top 25, the Alabama Crimson Tide came in at No. 3, underscoring their continued position as one of the most elite and consistently dominant programs in college football.

Head coach Nick Saban’s Alabama squad remains a force to be reckoned with, and this preseason ranking affirms the optimism surrounding the program heading into the 2025 season. But what does this No. 3 ranking mean for Alabama? And how does it reflect both the program’s historical legacy and the growing challenges they face in an increasingly competitive college football landscape?

A Look at the No. 3 Ranking: Where Does Alabama Stand in 2025?

Being ranked No. 3 in the “far too early” rankings is a statement in itself. Alabama is always expected to compete for championships, but the ranking comes with both recognition and a sense of urgency. The Crimson Tide are in the midst of an interesting transition, balancing the continuation of Saban’s legacy with the evolution of the program in a new era of college football. With elite recruiting, an evolving offensive scheme, and an ever-relevant defense, Alabama has the pieces to compete for the national title in 2025.

That said, the fact that Alabama is ranked behind two teams—Georgia and Ohio State—indicates the competition is only getting fiercer. These two programs are themselves at the top of the college football food chain and, like Alabama, are poised to be among the most talented teams in the nation. But, as the adage goes, “rankings don’t win games.” Alabama’s performance in 2025 will depend on how well it can navigate a tough SEC slate, develop young talent, and adapt to the evolving nature of college football.

Alabama’s Strengths Heading into 2025

While Alabama faces plenty of competition, it’s hard to ignore the strengths of the program heading into the 2025 season. From their elite recruiting efforts to the coaching stability under Saban and the staff, Alabama continues to be a well-oiled machine that churns out talent year after year. Several areas will be key to maintaining their place near the top of the rankings:

Quarterback Play: Ty Simpson’s Development

One of the most important aspects of Alabama’s success in 2025 will be the development of their quarterback position. After years of stability at quarterback, Alabama enters 2025 with questions about who will lead the offense. Ty Simpson, a highly touted recruit from the 2023 class, is expected to take the reins at quarterback. While he showed flashes of promise in limited action during the 2024 season, the 2025 campaign will be his opportunity to cement himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in college football.

Simpson possesses a powerful arm and strong mobility, traits that Alabama quarterbacks have become known for in recent years. His ability to effectively distribute the ball to an increasingly talented receiving corps will be essential to Alabama’s offensive success. With a year of development under his belt, the 2025 season could very well be the year that Simpson takes the next step and leads Alabama back to national prominence.

However, Simpson’s success will also depend on the development of his supporting cast. Alabama’s offensive line will need to be able to protect him, while Alabama’s receiving corps, which includes returning players and incoming freshmen, will need to provide him with reliable targets. Additionally, Alabama’s running game, historically one of the best in the country, will be integral to creating a balanced offense and taking some pressure off of Simpson.

Defensive Dominance: Reloading with Elite Talent

One of the hallmarks of Alabama’s success under Saban has been their defense. The Crimson Tide have produced some of the best defensive players in college football history, and the 2025 season is shaping up to be no different. Alabama returns several key defensive players who will anchor a unit that is expected to be among the best in the nation.

The defensive front seven, led by standouts like Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, and Kendall Randolph, will provide immense pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Turner, in particular, is poised for a breakout season. With his ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays in the backfield, Turner has the potential to be one of the most dominant edge rushers in college football. His development and consistency will be key for Alabama’s defense as they look to shut down high-powered offenses across the SEC.

The secondary, which has sometimes been a point of concern in recent seasons, should improve as well. With players like Kool-Aid McKinstry, Malachi Moore, and Terrion Arnold returning, Alabama will have a more experienced and talented group in the backfield. The addition of top-tier recruits to the secondary will further bolster Alabama’s ability to defend against the pass, and this unit will be critical when it comes to facing explosive offenses like Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU.

Coaching Stability: Nick Saban’s Continued Leadership

Nick Saban, the most decorated head coach in college football history, remains the pillar of the Alabama football program. Entering his 18th season as the head coach of the Crimson Tide, Saban’s expertise and leadership are invaluable to Alabama’s continued success. While Saban has long been regarded as a defensive genius, his ability to adapt and innovate in an evolving landscape—particularly in terms of offensive schemes—has ensured that Alabama remains at the top of college football.

The hiring of Kalen DeBoer as offensive coordinator further exemplifies Saban’s commitment to evolving Alabama’s offense. Known for his fast-paced, high-scoring offensive systems, DeBoer brings a fresh perspective to Alabama’s traditionally run-heavy offense. The marriage of Saban’s defensive mastery with DeBoer’s offensive expertise will be a key storyline in 2025, and it will determine whether Alabama can continue to thrive in a college football world that is increasingly driven by dynamic offenses.

The Competition: SEC and National Title Contenders

While Alabama’s talent and coaching are undoubtedly among the best in the country, they are by no means guaranteed a smooth path to the national championship. As always, the SEC will be a battleground where only the strongest teams will survive. Georgia, the defending national champions, are expected to be even better in 2025, with their robust recruiting efforts and a defense that has been historically one of the best in college football. Georgia’s quarterback situation, which had been a question in past seasons, could be solidified, making them an even tougher opponent for Alabama.

Ohio State, another perennial powerhouse, is expected to challenge for the national title in 2025. Led by one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Kyle McCord, and a talented roster full of five-star recruits, the Buckeyes will be a formidable force. Ohio State’s explosive offense will be a true test for Alabama’s defense, and their high-powered attack will present a unique challenge that the Crimson Tide will need to prepare for.

The Tennessee Volunteers, another rising contender, will also be in the mix in 2025. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols have transformed into one of the most potent offenses in the country, and their offense could pose a major challenge to Alabama’s defense. Tennessee will be looking to build off a strong 2024 season and will be one of the top contenders for an SEC title.

Moreover, LSU and Auburn, both traditional rivals, will add to the list of potential obstacles Alabama must face in the SEC West. With talented rosters and the ability to upset top teams, these programs will not be easy out for the Crimson Tide.

The Road to the College Football Playoff

To achieve their lofty ranking and ultimately challenge for a national championship in 2025, Alabama will need to prove themselves throughout the season. As always, the SEC schedule will be one of the most difficult in the country, and Alabama must remain focused and consistent. A potential SEC Championship Game showdown with Georgia or Tennessee could be a deciding factor in Alabama’s playoff hopes.

Furthermore, Alabama’s strength of schedule will likely place them in prime position for a College Football Playoff spot, assuming they take care of business during the regular season. Their annual rivalry games against Auburn and LSU, along with matchups against top-tier teams like Georgia, will all be pivotal moments for the Crimson Tide in their pursuit of a playoff berth.