National media outlet puts Alabama Crimson Tide football on notice ahead of the 2025 season
As the 2025 college football season draws nearer, expectations are already mounting for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program. Under the leadership of Nick Saban, Alabama has remained one of the most dominant programs in college football for nearly two decades, consistently winning championships, producing NFL talent, and maintaining one of the highest levels of excellence in the sport. However, this year, national media outlets are placing the Crimson Tide on notice, warning that the program faces significant challenges in the upcoming season.
The 2025 campaign represents both an opportunity and a crossroads for Alabama football. While Saban continues to lead the program, the Crimson Tide are facing some of the most significant questions regarding their roster and coaching staff in recent years. With changes both on and off the field, Alabama will have to adapt to new challenges while keeping its storied tradition alive.
In this article, we will explore why national media outlets are expressing concerns about Alabama football’s prospects in 2025, what the team must do to overcome these hurdles, and what the season could mean for the future of the program. Despite these challenges, Alabama has a deep pool of talent, and the support of passionate fans, ensuring that the team remains one of the most formidable in the nation.
The State of Alabama Football: What’s Changed?
Nick Saban is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of college football. His track record of championships, consistent recruiting success, and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football make him a singular figure in the sport. However, after a near decade-long run of national titles and SEC championships, there is growing sentiment that Alabama football may be facing an inflection point as the 2025 season approaches.
Several key factors have led national media to raise questions about the state of Alabama football heading into the upcoming season:
- Transitioning Quarterback Play
Over the past several seasons, Alabama has been fortunate to have talented quarterbacks at the helm, including Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young, all of whom went on to become high draft picks in the NFL. However, Jalen Milroe, who is projected to be the starting quarterback in 2025, has not yet demonstrated the same level of consistency or polish. Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with immense potential, showed flashes of brilliance in 2023 and 2024 but also had moments of inconsistency, especially in the passing game.
National analysts have pointed to Milroe’s development as a key issue for Alabama in 2025. While he possesses incredible physical talent, the question remains whether he can become a reliable, polished quarterback capable of leading Alabama through the high-pressure environments of the SEC and beyond. If Milroe struggles to develop or if his passing accuracy continues to be a liability, Alabama’s offense could take a significant step back.
- Coaching Changes and Adjustments
In addition to the quarterback situation, Alabama has made several notable changes to its coaching staff. Bill O’Brien, who served as the offensive coordinator for Alabama, left for an NFL opportunity, and Kendall Briles was brought in to replace him. Briles, known for his up-tempo, high-powered offense, is expected to inject some new energy into Alabama’s offensive game plan. However, adjusting to a new offensive system will take time, and Alabama will need to adapt quickly to ensure its offensive scheme is as effective as it has been in previous years.
Additionally, with Pete Golding’s departure to become the defensive coordinator at Ole Miss, Alabama will be facing a new defensive coordinator in 2025. While Golding’s defenses at Alabama were effective, they often left some fans and analysts wanting more, especially when it came to big-game performance. A fresh voice on the defensive side of the ball could be an opportunity for Alabama to improve, but it could also lead to growing pains.
All of these coaching transitions, combined with the turnover in the player personnel, create uncertainty for Alabama heading into 2025. The new coaching staff will have to work quickly to establish a cohesive strategy and adapt to both the players they have and the new talent coming in.
- Defensive Depth and the Challenge of Rebuilding
While Alabama’s defense has long been a point of pride for the program, especially under the direction of Nick Saban, the Tide are facing a significant rebuilding effort on that side of the ball. The Crimson Tide has lost several key defensive players to the NFL draft, including Will Anderson Jr., one of the most dominant pass rushers in the nation. While Alabama consistently reloads with talented recruits, there will be a learning curve in 2025 as the team tries to replace some of its most important defensive playmakers.
The defensive line, in particular, will be under the microscope as Alabama looks to fill the shoes of Anderson and other departed stars. Replacing a talent like Anderson is no easy task, and Alabama’s ability to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be a critical factor in determining its success in 2025.
Additionally, Alabama’s secondary, though still very talented, could face more challenges in 2025, especially against high-powered passing offenses in the SEC. The Crimson Tide will need to develop younger players quickly in order to maintain their dominance on defense. If the defense is not up to its usual standard, Alabama could struggle in high-scoring matchups against teams like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee, all of whom boast dynamic offensive weapons.
National Media’s Concern: The Power Shift in the SEC
One of the major concerns voiced by national media outlets is the ongoing shift in the balance of power in the SEC. Historically, Alabama has dominated the conference, but in recent years, other teams have emerged as serious threats to the Tide’s supremacy.
Georgia, led by former Alabama assistant Kirby Smart, has risen to national prominence, winning back-to-back national championships and establishing itself as the new powerhouse of college football. The Bulldogs’ success in recruiting, development, and consistent execution has made them the team to beat in the SEC, and they will be a major obstacle for Alabama in 2025.
Additionally, teams like LSU and Tennessee have made significant strides, improving their recruiting and overall talent levels. The Tigers, in particular, are a major threat under head coach Brian Kelly, while Tennessee, led by Josh Heupel, has revitalized its program with a high-scoring, up-tempo offense that has caught many by surprise. With these programs all making waves in the SEC, Alabama will have to work harder than ever to maintain its spot at the top of the conference.
National analysts are beginning to question whether Alabama, despite its historical success, can continue to keep pace with these rising programs. The Crimson Tide’s recruiting edge, once a major advantage, is being challenged by other SEC schools who are now on par in terms of talent and development. The upcoming season will be a test for Alabama to prove that they are still the team to beat in the SEC.
Recruiting: The Lifeblood of Alabama’s Success
While the 2025 season presents several challenges, one area where Alabama remains a constant is in its recruiting. Under Nick Saban, Alabama has continued to land some of the best and brightest high school prospects across the country. The 2025 recruiting class, which is already stacked with talent, could play a pivotal role in the success of the Crimson Tide in the upcoming season.
Notable recruits like James Smith, a 5-star defensive lineman, and Justice Haynes, a 5-star running back, will immediately make an impact on both sides of the ball. The infusion of young talent will be essential as Alabama looks to rebuild its defense and provide the offensive playmakers necessary to contend for a national title.
However, the importance of recruiting is twofold for Alabama. While it ensures that the Crimson Tide remains stocked with talent, it also puts more pressure on Saban and his coaching staff to develop these players into instant contributors. With so many teams vying for national titles, Saban will need to find a way to blend experience with youth and create a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.
What Alabama Needs to Do to Respond
Despite the challenges, Alabama football has shown time and time again that it can rise to the occasion, especially under Nick Saban’s leadership. To meet the expectations for the 2025 season and silence the critics, Alabama will need to address several key areas:
- Quarterback Play: Milroe’s development will be crucial to Alabama’s success. If he can become a more consistent passer and fully develop into the leader Alabama needs, the Crimson Tide offense will be dangerous.
- Coaching Consistency: Despite changes on the coaching staff, continuity in leadership will be key. DeBoer and Grubb, along with the defensive coaching staff, must work quickly to implement their systems and ensure that Alabama remains the dominant force it has always been.
- Defensive Development: Alabama will need to reload on defense quickly, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary. Developing young players and creating depth will be crucial to maintaining the defense’s dominance.
- Adaptability: The Crimson Tide must adapt to the changing dynamics of the SEC, particularly with the rise of Georgia and other programs. Alabama must innovate, maintain its identity, and continue to recruit at an elite level.
