Alabama is ranked 17th in the season’s final AP Top 25 College Football Poll.

As the 2025 college football season draws to a close, the Alabama Crimson Tide find themselves ranked No. 17 in the final AP Top 25 Poll, marking the conclusion of another eventful season in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide’s journey this year was filled with ups and downs, as they navigated a competitive SEC schedule, dealt with quarterback battles, injuries, and had moments of brilliance interspersed with frustrating inconsistencies. While Alabama’s No. 17 ranking in the final poll is certainly a solid achievement, it also signals the challenges the program faced in what many viewed as a transitional year.

For a program like Alabama, a top-tier college football powerhouse with a rich history of national championships and consistent success, ending the season ranked outside the top 10 or 5 is a notable deviation from the usual trajectory. Still, this ranking reflects a season that, while not perfect, displayed Alabama’s resilience, their competitive spirit, and the promise of better days ahead.

This article will take a closer look at the key factors that contributed to Alabama’s final standing in the AP Poll, including the team’s performances throughout the season, their growth in the midst of adversity, and the areas where they’ll need to improve to reclaim their elite status in college football.

A Season of Transition

The 2025 Alabama football season was always expected to be one of transition. After the departure of Bryce Young, the Heisman-winning quarterback who led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2020, and a series of other key players from the 2023 and 2024 rosters, it was clear that the team would be in the midst of rebuilding in some areas. The quarterback position, always a focal point of Alabama’s success under head coach Nick Saban, was at the forefront of these changes.

With Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and the addition of a few young quarterbacks, Alabama entered the season with an open competition at quarterback. The unsettled position ultimately led to some inconsistency in offensive play. Despite having several talented pieces at receiver and running back, the lack of a true leader under center held Alabama back from reaching its full potential offensively. At times, the offense showed flashes of brilliance, with big plays and explosive drives, but there were also moments when the lack of cohesion and rhythm became evident, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Defensively, Alabama remained as stout as ever in many aspects of the game, though they faced challenges in some areas, including stopping the run and giving up big plays at critical moments. The team also had to navigate a relatively tough SEC schedule, facing off against some of the nation’s best teams, including Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M. Each of these matchups tested Alabama’s resilience and ability to execute under pressure.

Offensive Inconsistencies and the Quarterback Battle

The most notable story for Alabama in 2025 was, without question, the continued search for stability at the quarterback position. Heading into the season, Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs, was the frontrunner for the starting role. However, his performances throughout the season were often inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance offset by moments of poor decision-making and missed opportunities. Milroe’s athleticism allowed him to make plays when the pocket broke down, but his struggles with accuracy and his ability to read defenses hampered the offense at times.

Ty Simpson, a talented sophomore, also had his opportunities to step in and lead the team. Though he showed promise with his deep ball and natural ability to control the offense, Simpson, too, had trouble establishing consistency. The inconsistency at quarterback was a significant factor in Alabama’s struggles to find offensive rhythm. Despite the presence of skilled playmakers such as running back Jase McClellan and wide receivers Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond, the lack of a stable quarterback hindered the team’s overall offensive production.

The Crimson Tide’s offensive struggles were also exacerbated by some key injuries throughout the season. Running back Jase McClellan missed time with an ankle injury, and the offensive line, though talented, had occasional lapses in protection, leading to some unproductive drives and struggles in short-yardage situations. These challenges ultimately played a large role in Alabama’s inability to maintain a top-tier offensive output throughout the year.

Defensive Strengths and Challenges

While Alabama’s offense had its issues in 2025, the defense remained largely effective, though not without its own set of struggles. Head coach Nick Saban’s defense, as always, was built on a foundation of discipline, toughness, and elite talent. The defensive line, led by standout players like defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis and edge rusher Dallas Turner, was one of the best in the SEC. Alabama’s pass rush consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the defense was able to stymie many offenses early in the season.

However, despite their success in getting to the quarterback, Alabama’s defense did face some notable challenges in stopping the run. Teams like Texas A&M, LSU, and Georgia were able to exploit some gaps in the front seven, finding success running the ball against the Crimson Tide. This issue was compounded by the fact that Alabama’s secondary, while talented, was at times susceptible to giving up big plays in the passing game. In particular, Alabama struggled to match up with some of the top receiving corps in the country, as defensive backs had difficulty contesting contested catches and limiting yards after the catch.

That said, Alabama’s defense was still good enough to keep the team competitive, and they frequently kept games within reach despite offensive struggles. The defense’s ability to bend without breaking was evident in several key victories, including a thrilling 27-24 win over Mississippi State and a 20-10 victory against Tennessee.

Key Victories and Setbacks

Alabama’s season was defined by a mixture of both impressive victories and frustrating setbacks. The Crimson Tide started the season strong with a commanding 38-14 win over Middle Tennessee State. However, as the season went on, Alabama was tested by the caliber of opponents in the SEC, leading to a series of highs and lows.

The first major test came in a Week 3 matchup against Texas. The Longhorns handed Alabama a tough loss, exposing some of the weaknesses in the Tide’s offense and defense. Despite making a comeback in the second half, Alabama couldn’t quite find a way to overcome Texas’ explosive offense, falling 31-24. This defeat dropped Alabama’s ranking in the polls and forced the team to recalibrate as they headed into conference play.

Despite this setback, Alabama bounced back with key victories, including a thrilling win over Arkansas and a decisive 42-21 victory against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. These wins showcased the team’s resilience and ability to regroup after tough losses. The defense continued to play at a high level, and Alabama’s offensive playmakers, when healthy, were able to produce enough to win games.

However, the final stretch of the season proved to be more difficult. Alabama was knocked off by both LSU and Georgia, two of the SEC’s top teams, by relatively large margins. The loss to LSU, in particular, stung, as the Tigers exposed some significant holes in Alabama’s defense and were able to shut down the Crimson Tide offense. The 35-17 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship game was another tough defeat, ending Alabama’s hopes of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Despite the disappointment in those losses, Alabama showed a great deal of fight and character in their other games, and the season ended with a respectable 9-3 record. Though they were not in contention for a playoff berth, Alabama’s solid play and resilience helped them maintain a place in the top 20 of the final AP Poll.

What’s Next for Alabama?

As Alabama enters the offseason following their No. 17 finish, there are several areas where the team can improve in order to reclaim their spot among the nation’s elite. The first and most pressing issue is at quarterback. With Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson both likely returning in 2026, Alabama will need to identify a clear starter and allow him to grow within the system. The quarterback position will undoubtedly be a focal point throughout the offseason, as Nick Saban and his coaching staff look to build a more efficient, consistent offense for the coming year.

Another area of focus will be improving the defense, particularly in stopping the run and limiting big plays. While Alabama’s defense is already one of the best in the country, the team will need to address these areas in order to compete at the highest level against teams like Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M.

Finally, the development of young players will be crucial to Alabama’s future success. With players like freshman receiver Kobe Prentice and linebacker Qua Russaw emerging as future stars, Alabama has a wealth of young talent that will continue to develop and contribute in the coming seasons.