In 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide miss the CFP despite the SEC’s comeback. Predictions for the College Football Playoff bracket

The college football landscape is always in flux, and with the sport’s ever-shifting dynamics, it’s hard to make predictions with absolute certainty. However, one of the most anticipated developments in 2025 is whether the Alabama Crimson Tide will make the College Football Playoff (CFP), especially as the SEC seems to be making a notable comeback in terms of overall strength and competition. Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, has long been one of the top contenders for the playoff, but in 2025, a series of challenges might prevent them from making the cut.

While Alabama has been a fixture in the CFP since its inception, there are scenarios in 2025 where the Crimson Tide could miss out despite an otherwise strong season. The reasons for this could range from the resurgence of other SEC powerhouses to a slip-up in key games, as well as other teams in the nation improving their own programs and competing fiercely for playoff spots.

With that in mind, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 College Football Playoff bracket, highlighting how Alabama could miss out and the teams that could emerge as the top four contenders.

The SEC’s Resurgence: Alabama Faces Tough Competition

Before diving into the playoff predictions, it’s important to recognize that the SEC, historically one of the most dominant conferences in college football, is experiencing a resurgence in 2025. Programs that were once considered secondary to Alabama’s reign are rising back to prominence, creating an environment of extreme competition for the playoff spots. Teams like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee are gaining momentum and recruiting at an elite level, which means Alabama will face significant challenges in the SEC West and throughout the conference.

Alabama’s position in the SEC has long been one of dominance, but by 2025, that stranglehold may be loosening. The Crimson Tide will still be a force to be reckoned with, but there are key programs in the SEC that could surpass them and grab the coveted spots in the College Football Playoff. For instance:

• Georgia Bulldogs: The reigning champions could continue their reign of dominance in the SEC East, with an elite recruiting class coming in for 2025. Kirby Smart’s program has already positioned itself as a CFP contender, and with their stacked roster, it’s not a stretch to expect Georgia to make the playoff again.
• LSU Tigers: Brian Kelly has quickly turned LSU into a formidable competitor in the SEC. The Tigers’ ability to recruit at a high level and their growing success on the field suggest they will be in the playoff conversation in 2025, and they could potentially challenge Alabama for a CFP spot.
• Tennessee Volunteers: Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense has elevated Tennessee back to national relevance. With a revamped defense and a top-tier offense, the Volunteers could very well return to the top of the SEC East, positioning themselves as playoff contenders.

While Alabama remains a perennial contender, the SEC’s overall competitiveness could leave them with multiple conference losses, making it harder to secure a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff.

Key Factors for Alabama’s CFP Miss in 2025

There are several factors that could prevent Alabama from making the 2025 CFP, despite their strong roster and head coach Nick Saban’s track record. Here are some of the key reasons:

1. Quarterback Uncertainty: Alabama enters the 2025 season with questions surrounding their quarterback position. While Jalen Milroe showed promise in 2024, Alabama could still face inconsistency at the most important position on the field. The Crimson Tide’s success largely depends on their quarterback’s ability to execute the offense and make plays in high-stakes games. If Milroe or any potential replacement struggles to perform consistently, Alabama could slip in some key games, leading to losses that would cost them a spot in the CFP.
2. Challenging SEC Schedule: Alabama’s SEC schedule in 2025 is filled with tough matchups, including games against the resurgent LSU Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, and Tennessee Volunteers. Additionally, Alabama faces the potential trap of losing games against teams they should beat, like Arkansas or Auburn, which have historically given the Tide trouble. A couple of losses in the competitive SEC could push Alabama out of CFP contention, especially in a season with a higher number of undefeated or one-loss teams.
3. Emerging Teams from Other Conferences: As the SEC regains strength, other conferences, such as the Big Ten, Pac-12, and Big 12, will continue to evolve and offer stiff competition for playoff spots. Teams like Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, and even Florida State are recruiting at a high level and could establish themselves as CFP-worthy contenders in 2025. Alabama’s absence from the top four could be influenced by the success of these non-SEC teams, particularly if they run the table in their respective conferences.
4. Injury Concerns: Injuries, as with any program, can derail a season. Alabama has had its fair share of injury issues in the past, and in a sport as physical as college football, any key injury — especially to the quarterback or star defensive players — could hinder their ability to make a deep playoff run.
5. A Change in the CFP Selection Process: While unlikely, there’s also the possibility that changes to the selection process could hurt Alabama’s chances in 2025. If the College Football Playoff committee adjusts its criteria, such as placing more weight on conference championships or strength of schedule, Alabama could face challenges in securing a bid if they fail to win the SEC or have a weaker resume compared to other programs.

2025 College Football Playoff Predictions: Who Makes the Cut?

With Alabama’s potential absence from the College Football Playoff, here is a prediction for the 2025 CFP bracket, factoring in the strength of other programs and the overall competitive landscape:

1. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC Champion)

Georgia is primed to be a dominant force in 2025. With the Bulldogs returning one of the best recruiting classes in the nation and continuing to produce top-tier talent, Kirby Smart’s squad should be well-equipped to compete for a national title. The Bulldogs have one of the most balanced rosters in the country, featuring a strong defense and an offense that has become increasingly potent. Georgia’s schedule in 2025 could be challenging, but with their overall talent, they should have the edge in the SEC East and secure a spot in the CFP, potentially as the number one seed.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten Champion)

Ohio State continues to be a powerhouse in the Big Ten, and in 2025, they’re likely to be a strong contender for the CFP. Ryan Day’s program has been one of the most consistent in recent years, and with another loaded recruiting class, Ohio State should have the talent to win the Big Ten and secure a spot in the playoff. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by an elite quarterback and wide receivers, will be one of the best in the nation, and their defense continues to improve. Ohio State’s ability to win the Big Ten championship will likely be enough to guarantee a spot in the top four, potentially as the second seed.

3. LSU Tigers (SEC West Champion)

LSU is on the rise under head coach Brian Kelly, and 2025 could be the year the Tigers truly emerge as one of the top teams in the nation. LSU’s success in recruiting and player development, combined with a competitive schedule in the SEC, positions them as a serious threat to Alabama’s dominance in the SEC West. With key players in place, including a potential Heisman contender at quarterback, LSU will likely be in the conversation for the CFP and could win the SEC West in a tight race with Alabama. A one-loss SEC West champion LSU team would likely make the playoff as the third seed.

4. Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten At-Large or Co-Champion)

Michigan has steadily risen to national prominence under Jim Harbaugh, and in 2025, they’re poised to be a serious contender in the Big Ten. The Wolverines have a balanced and potent offense and defense, and with Ohio State continuing to be a major rival, the 2025 season could come down to a showdown between these two teams. If Michigan runs the table or claims a co-championship in the Big Ten with Ohio State, they should secure an at-large bid for the CFP. Even if they lose in the Big Ten Championship, Michigan’s strong schedule and one-loss record should be enough to push them into the top four, likely earning the fourth and final spot.

Teams on the Outside Looking In:

• Alabama Crimson Tide: Despite their usual place in the CFP, Alabama could fall just short in 2025. A few key losses in SEC play or a lack of consistency in key games could leave the Crimson Tide on the outside looking in.
• Florida State Seminoles: Florida State’s resurgence under head coach Mike Norvell has them knocking on the door of the playoff. A strong 2025 campaign could see them make a push for a spot in the top four, particularly if they win the ACC.
• Tennessee Volunteers: With Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense and improving defense, Tennessee could make a push for a CFP spot, but a challenging SEC schedule could make it difficult to secure a playoff bid.