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

When USA TODAY Sports released its “far too early” 2025 College Football Top 25 rankings, Alabama came in at No. 3, just behind two of its traditional rivals: Georgia and Ohio State. While these rankings are often speculative and can shift as the offseason progresses, they offer insight into the expectations surrounding one of the most successful programs in college football history. For Alabama fans, this early ranking comes with a sense of optimism and high expectations, given that the program has been a constant contender for national titles under head coach Nick Saban.

Alabama has been an undeniable force in college football for the past decade and a half, consistently competing for championships. With Saban continuing to lead the way, there is little reason to believe that Alabama’s competitive edge will wane anytime soon. But as they prepare for the 2025 season, several factors—roster composition, recruiting, the evolving landscape of college football, and the competition within the SEC—will all play a role in determining whether Alabama can live up to its high ranking.

In this article, we will analyze Alabama’s position in the USA TODAY Sports rankings, what led to the Crimson Tide’s high ranking, and what fans can expect from the program in the 2025 season. We’ll also dive into the potential challenges the team will face, the key players to watch, and how Alabama’s path to a potential national championship could unfold.

Alabama’s Preseason Expectations and What the Rank Means

Before diving into the specifics of Alabama’s 2025 outlook, it’s important to understand what the No. 3 ranking represents in the broader context of college football. USA TODAY’s “far too early” rankings take into account various factors such as recruiting classes, player returns, coaching stability, and overall team performance from the previous season. These rankings are primarily speculative, but they reflect the consensus view that Alabama remains one of the top programs in the country heading into 2025.

The fact that Alabama is ranked No. 3 speaks to the strength and depth of the Crimson Tide’s roster, as well as their ability to reload rather than rebuild each year. While other programs like Georgia and Ohio State have enjoyed success in recent years, Alabama’s consistent dominance in the SEC and on the national stage remains unquestionable. Nick Saban’s ability to bring in top-tier recruits, develop talent, and maintain a championship-caliber culture is a major reason why Alabama continues to be ranked so highly in the preseason.

Given Saban’s track record of success, Alabama’s ranking is a reflection of the belief that the program will once again be a national championship contender in 2025, with plenty of talent to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.

What Led to Alabama’s High Ranking: Recruiting and Roster Composition

One of the primary reasons Alabama consistently finds itself ranked in the upper echelon of college football is its recruiting prowess. The Crimson Tide have had a long track record of landing top-tier recruits year after year, and 2025 should be no different. Let’s take a closer look at Alabama’s recruiting efforts, which have fueled its high expectations for the 2025 season.

Alabama’s 2025 Recruiting Class

Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class is expected to be one of the best in the country, as Nick Saban continues to build the program through top talent. As of the release of the preseason rankings, Alabama is anticipated to land several five-star recruits and top-tier prospects. While there are always new names emerging, Alabama’s class is likely to feature a mix of elite skill players, impact defensive recruits, and potential future stars on the offensive line.

The 2025 class is expected to feature dynamic quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, along with a strong defensive haul that will only add to Alabama’s reputation as a program that dominates both sides of the ball. With Alabama’s ability to recruit both nationally and internationally, fans can expect a roster full of future NFL talent in 2025.

The Return of Key Players

While recruiting is a major part of Alabama’s success, player development is just as crucial. Alabama has a history of developing high-quality players who eventually go on to star at the professional level, and in 2025, several key players are expected to return or step into pivotal roles.

• Bryce Young’s Successor (QB): One of the key questions for Alabama heading into 2025 will be who steps in to replace Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young, who is likely to enter the NFL draft following the 2024 season. Alabama’s quarterback competition will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the offseason. Players like Ty Simpson or Jalen Milroe, who have shown flashes of potential, could take over the reins of Alabama’s offense.
• Offensive Line and Skill Players: Alabama will return a solid offensive line and a talented group of skill players. Running back Jase McClellan and wide receiver Jermaine Burton are expected to return in 2025 and will be key contributors to the offense. McClellan’s ability to complement the passing game and provide a stable rushing attack will be crucial for Alabama’s offensive success.
• Defense: Reloading the D-Line and Secondary: On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama will have several returning starters in the secondary and linebacker corps. Players like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Henry To’o To’o are expected to play pivotal roles in the defense. However, much like their offense, Alabama’s defense will reload with top-tier recruits, ensuring that the program remains one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.

Overall, Alabama’s roster for 2025 is expected to be filled with talent, both from returning players and new recruits. This depth and talent have helped the Crimson Tide earn their No. 3 spot in USA TODAY’s rankings, and they’ll need to continue to develop these players if they want to maintain their status as a national contender.

Challenges for Alabama in 2025

While Alabama is in an excellent position heading into 2025, the road to a national championship will not be without its challenges. Several factors could play a role in determining how successful the Crimson Tide will be in 2025.

SEC Dominance and Rivalries

One of the biggest hurdles for Alabama is the competitive nature of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The SEC remains the toughest conference in college football, and Alabama must go through several tough opponents just to reach the SEC Championship Game. Teams like Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, and Auburn will all be formidable tests for Alabama, and the Iron Bowl against Auburn is always a rivalry game that can bring unpredictable results.

Georgia, in particular, has emerged as one of Alabama’s main competitors for dominance in the SEC, and the two teams are on a collision course to meet in what could be a crucial matchup in 2025. As defending national champions, Georgia will be hungry to maintain its status as the top team in college football, making the matchup with Alabama a potential SEC Championship preview.

Managing the Quarterback Position

As mentioned earlier, one of the key storylines for Alabama in 2025 will be finding a successor to Bryce Young, who has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in Alabama history. Alabama has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, but the transition from Young to his replacement will be a significant challenge.

Whether it’s Ty Simpson, Jalen Milroe, or another quarterback stepping into the starting role, the pressure will be on to perform at a high level. Quarterback play will be crucial to Alabama’s success in 2025, as the offense must remain dynamic and efficient to compete with other top teams.

NIL and Transfer Portal Impact

The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal has added another layer of complexity to college football. While Alabama’s financial backing and brand recognition make them one of the top programs to secure NIL deals for players, the dynamics of recruitment and roster management have changed. The ability to keep players happy and maintain team chemistry amidst these changes is an ongoing challenge for every coach, including Nick Saban.

Moreover, the transfer portal has allowed players to switch schools more easily than ever before, which can alter the competitive landscape in the blink of an eye. Programs like Texas, USC, and others have been actively utilizing the transfer portal to build up their rosters, so Alabama must remain vigilant in both recruiting high school talent and keeping tabs on the portal to fill any gaps.

What to Expect from Alabama in 2025

Despite the challenges, Alabama remains a top contender for the 2025 College Football Playoff and national title. The team will have a talented roster, a strong coaching staff led by Nick Saban, and the culture of excellence that has made the program a dominant force in college football. While questions remain—particularly at the quarterback position—Alabama’s depth, coaching, and recruiting will give them the tools to compete for another SEC championship and potentially their 19th national title.

With the expectations of being in the top three, Alabama’s 2025 season will be one filled with high hopes and plenty of pressure. Whether or not they can live up to those expectations will depend on the development of their roster, how well they navigate the challenges of a competitive SEC, and how they perform in the high-stakes games that ultimately decide who gets into the College Football Playoff.

For Alabama fans, the No. 3 ranking in USA TODAY’s “far too early” 2025 CFB Top 25 is a reminder that the Crimson Tide are once again a force to be reckoned with. The 2025 season could be another step toward Alabama’s next championship, or it could be a year of transition. Regardless, Nick Saban’s program will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting teams to watch in college football in 2025.