Here is Alabama’s position in ESPN’s CFP projections for the upcoming season.
As college football fans eagerly await the start of the 2025 season, all eyes are on the teams that have the potential to make a run at the College Football Playoff (CFP), and for Alabama football, the expectations are once again sky-high. With Nick Saban at the helm, the Alabama Crimson Tide has consistently been one of the top teams in the nation, and this year’s squad is no exception. As the 2025 season approaches, ESPN’s CFP projections have placed Alabama in a position to contend for a spot in the playoff, continuing its tradition of excellence and championship aspirations.
In this detailed analysis, we will examine Alabama’s position in ESPN’s CFP projections for the upcoming season, taking a closer look at how the team stacks up against its competition, its roster strengths and weaknesses, and the key factors that will determine whether Alabama can secure a coveted playoff berth.
ESPN’s CFP Projections: Alabama’s Outlook for 2025
According to ESPN’s CFP projections for 2025, Alabama enters the season ranked within the top five of the preseason rankings, which is nothing new for a program that has been a mainstay in the College Football Playoff since its inception. Alabama, under the leadership of Nick Saban, has made the playoff in every year but one since its creation in 2014, and the 2025 season is expected to be no different.
As of the latest ESPN projections, Alabama is currently positioned as one of the top contenders for a CFP berth, sitting in the top three for the 2025 season, alongside other perennial powers like Georgia and Ohio State. ESPN’s analysts have lauded Alabama’s ability to reload year after year, despite losing key players to the NFL Draft, and have pointed to several factors that make Alabama one of the top teams in the nation.
While the Crimson Tide is ranked highly, the competition in the SEC, particularly from Georgia, remains fierce. Nonetheless, Alabama’s pedigree and consistent recruiting success, as well as the program’s ability to dominate during the regular season, have made them a favorite to earn a playoff spot once again.
Strengths of Alabama’s 2025 Team
A big reason why Alabama is a projected playoff team for 2025 is the combination of returning talent, an elite coaching staff, and a recruitment class that continues to elevate the team’s overall depth. Below are some of the key strengths that ESPN and other analysts have pointed to as major factors in Alabama’s potential to compete for the playoff in 2025:
1. Quarterback Play: Jalen Milroe’s Development
While Bryce Young will be a tough act to follow, Alabama’s current starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe, has the potential to be a game-changer in 2025. Milroe, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, showed flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time as a freshman and sophomore, and in 2025, he will be tasked with leading Alabama’s offense to new heights.
Milroe’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs gives Alabama a unique advantage. With his physical tools, he is capable of making the big throws down the field, while also being a threat in the running game, an area where Alabama has historically excelled. With another year of development under Saban and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, Milroe has the potential to be a Heisman-caliber quarterback in 2025, and his performance will be one of the key factors in Alabama’s playoff aspirations.
2. Elite Recruiting Class: Talent Across the Board
Alabama has once again assembled an elite recruiting class for the 2025 season, adding a mix of five-star and highly-ranked four-star prospects. The Crimson Tide has addressed critical areas of need, particularly along the offensive line, defensive line, and at the wide receiver position.
On offense, Alabama has brought in several talented wide receivers, including Jalen Brown, a highly ranked player from Florida, who will be expected to make an immediate impact. The team has also secured a highly coveted offensive tackle, Peyton Kirkland, to provide protection for Milroe.
On defense, Alabama’s class has bolstered its already formidable defensive line with James Smith, a 5-star defensive tackle, and Xzavier McKinney, a 4-star linebacker. With these players coming in to complement returning veterans, Alabama’s defense looks poised to remain one of the most dominant units in college football.
3. Defensive Dominance: Will Anderson Jr. and the Front Seven
In addition to its recruiting success, Alabama’s defense in 2025 will continue to be led by its front seven, particularly the edge-rushing group. While Will Anderson Jr. (who was drafted by the NFL) will be a loss, the Crimson Tide has reloaded with talent on the defensive line and at linebacker, including players like Dallas Turner, a potential All-American pass rusher who could step into the leadership role Anderson held for the past few years.
With a strong, deep, and versatile defensive front, Alabama has the ability to control the line of scrimmage against any opponent, which will be essential in the SEC, where the competition is always fierce. Additionally, Alabama’s defensive secondary, led by standout cornerbacks and safeties, will ensure that opposing teams are forced to beat them both on the ground and through the air, which has been a winning formula for Saban’s defense.
4. Coaching and Experience: Nick Saban’s Leadership
Nick Saban, the gold standard for college football coaches, remains one of the biggest reasons why Alabama is consistently at the top of the CFP projections. Saban’s ability to get the best out of his players year in and year out is unparalleled, and his experience in navigating the pressures of the College Football Playoff will be invaluable for Alabama’s 2025 campaign.
With the leadership of Saban, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, and defensive coordinator Pete Golding, Alabama has the continuity and stability to handle any adversity that may arise. Saban’s coaching prowess, particularly in big games, has been one of the reasons why Alabama is always a contender for the playoff, and 2025 should be no different.
Challenges and Obstacles: Can Alabama Overcome the SEC Competition?
While Alabama is positioned as one of the top teams in the 2025 CFP projections, the SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in the country, and Alabama’s path to the playoff will not be without challenges.
1. SEC Gauntlet: Georgia and LSU
The biggest obstacle for Alabama in 2025 will likely come from within the SEC, where perennial contenders like Georgia and LSU stand in their way. Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, is a juggernaut that has won back-to-back national titles and is expected to be a strong contender once again. The Bulldogs boast an impressive roster with depth at virtually every position, including quarterback and defense.
Additionally, LSU, under head coach Brian Kelly, has been improving year after year and has a talented roster that is capable of competing with Alabama. The SEC Championship Game could very well be a matchup between Alabama and either Georgia or LSU, making the regular season even more critical for the Crimson Tide to secure a spot in the playoff.
2. Road to the CFP: Non-Conference and Road Games
Another potential hurdle for Alabama’s playoff hopes will be the non-conference schedule and road games. Historically, Alabama’s tough SEC schedule combined with difficult non-conference matchups has made the road to the playoff a challenging one. Alabama will need to avoid slip-ups against both conference rivals and non-conference opponents to ensure they finish the season with a playoff-worthy resume.
Conclusion: Will Alabama Make the CFP in 2025?
Based on the current state of Alabama’s program and the 2025 roster, it’s safe to say that the Crimson Tide are in excellent position to make another College Football Playoff appearance. With a top-tier quarterback in Jalen Milroe, a strong defensive front, and an elite recruiting class, Alabama has the talent to compete with any team in the country.
However, the path to the playoff will not be easy, especially with stiff competition from Georgia, LSU, and other contenders in the SEC. Alabama’s success in 2025 will ultimately depend on how well they perform in crucial SEC matchups and whether they can navigate the challenges of a competitive and physically demanding schedule.
Ultimately, ESPN’s CFP projections suggest that Alabama is a serious playoff contender in 2025, and if all the pieces fall into place, the Crimson Tide could very well be playing for another national championship come January. Saban’s ability to develop players and adjust his team’s strategy will be key factors in ensuring that Alabama remains among the elite programs vying for the College Football Playoff.
